Ngabezweni – His Majesty King Mswati III on Wednesday commissioned over 70 000 maidens to cut the reed.
Maidens arrived in droves at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Tuesday and registered. On Wednesday, led by Princess Sakhizwe, they were saw of at Ludzidzini by Her Majesty the Queen Mother to Ngabezweni Royal Residence.
On arrival Ngabezweni, they received gifts including t-shirts and sandals from Their Majesties. This marked day two of the annual Reed Dance festival.
Princess Sakhizwe conveyed a special message from the King to the maidens. She announced that the Imbali would embark on their task at Mphisi Farm (older maidens) and Bhamsakhe (younger maidens).
Through Princess Sakhizwe, His Majesty also emphasized on the importance of maintaining exemplary behaviour throughout the journey. With utmost pride in their roles, the maidens were implored to represent their families, communities, and nation with dignity.
“The king instructs that we must bring back the finest and quality reed to build royal residences’ wind breakers (liguma),” she said.
Foreigners are flocking into the country for the ceremony with the main day and Umhlanga Holiday scheduled for Monday September 4.
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