Beauty pageants contestants begin umphakatsi camp

MBABANE – The country’s beauty pageants contestants started the umphakatsi camp on Sunday.

Forty-three girls are currently camped at Nkwene Inkhundla as part of the induction. This is where they get cultural experience.
“All the beauty pageants contestants in the country are expected to attend the umphakatsi camp that started on Sunday at Nkwene Umphakatsi. This is where they are taught about culture and conduct development and how a Swazi maiden is supposed to conduct themselves, their behaviour and all,” Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture (SNCAC) CEO Stanley Dlamini said.

He noted that they wanted the girls to experience spending time with the elderly (bogogo) and a female parent as some of them were orphaned.
“Most of the pre-judging will be done during the umphakatsi camp. This is the best place to look at their behaviour and conduct as a whole,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini noted, however, that it would be a challenge for the Miss Deaf contestants as they would need an interpreter for them. He said they were currently working on getting someone to assist in that regard.

“The Miss Deaf contestants are expected at the camp and we will make sure we get an interpreter so that they are not frustrated,” Dlamini said.
During the camp, contestants are taught how to conduct themselves, cultural activities, how to cook traditional meals.
Miss Cultural Heritage Director Noncedo Mbambo said 14 of the 20 she had were at the umphakatsi camp, as two of them were busy with school.

“Only six of the Miss Cultural Heritage contestants could not make the umphakatsi camp as they are busy with their school work. However, they will be joining the others for the annual Umhlanga ceremony,” Mbambo said.

Camp

Miss Teen Director Snotsile Vilane said they also sent the girls to the umphakatsi camp where they would also be rating them on their conduct and behaviour.
“The girls are at the camp already and we will be rating them on their conduct. They have to know and experience cultural events like this.  We are looking at choosing someone who is well-versed with cultural activities,” Vilane said.

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