Times Of Swaziland: Beauty pageants contestants  begin umphakatsi camp

Beauty pageants contestants  begin umphakatsi camp
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BY NOMBULELO  MATSEBULA on 27/08/2013 02:16:00


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.