Times Of Swaziland: LIPHOVELA, MAIDENS BRAVE COLD FOR SHISELWENI UMHLANGA

LIPHOVELA, MAIDENS BRAVE COLD FOR SHISELWENI UMHLANGA
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BY STANLEY KHUMALO on 01/10/2017 03:28:00


MBANGWENI – The 18 Degrees Celsius predicted for Hlatikhulu, which is the
closest town to Mbangweni Royal Residence, did not deter the throngs of maidens
who braved the cold yesterday and danced in front of their Majesties during the
Shiselweni Reed Dance.
The maidens, who were in their traditional regalia, danced the afternoon away
just after 3pm. They eventually started dancing inside the royal residence at
about 4pm.
At about 4:20pm, Indvuna Yembali Nonduduzo Zubuko, who had been leading the
Imbali regiment in song, was joined by members of the royal family and Liphovela
LaMashwama. Leading the regiment was Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso.
After singing and dancing for a while, Liphovela LaMashwama and princesses who
were leading Imbali in song were each handed a bundle of reed. They danced
carrying the bundle before delivering it. Notably, while dancing, Liphovela
LaMashwama was escorted by a female officer and a wardress from His Majesty’s
Correctional Services.
Also, there was an aide making sure the Liphovela was comfortable with the
bundle of the reed.
Thereafter, different members of the regiment danced before His Majesty the King
while delivering the reed. Later on, the regiment went to the newly revamped
arena where they danced until about 6pm. Just before the end of the dancing, the
King danced in segments in front of the regiment.
He was accompanied by King Lokole Shungu Kavabioko from the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) with whom they danced around the arena (kudlalisela) in front of
the maidens. This drew ululations and excitement from the regiment as they were
happy to see the King.
According to figures given, there were over 5 000 regiment members from
neighbouring countries while locals where estimated to be over 50 000.