Times Of Swaziland: THUNDER, LIGHTNING AT MAIN INCWALA

THUNDER, LIGHTNING AT MAIN INCWALA
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BY SIBUSISO SHANGE on 23/12/2021 10:08:00


MBABANE – Three weather patterns in less than an hour!
This best describes the events leading to the Main Incwala Ceremony, which was
held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday afternoon. Attendees at the event
can attest to how they experienced three weather patterns in a space of less
than an hour ahead of the ceremony. When the first trumpet was blown at around
1pm, the weather was clear with sunshine and a warm breeze. However, in less
than 30 minutes, there was thunder and lightning just after warriors had blew
the second trumpet. The weather then changed completely and a heavy downpour was
experienced for only a few minutes.
Some of the marquees pitched at the venue were blown away by the strong winds
that had accompanied the heavy downpour. However, His Majesty King Mswati III
and the warriors were not deterred by the changing weather patterns. Some
warriors said the sudden change of weather proved that this year’s Incwala
Ceremony was real. “Nayo ke Incwala sibili, ngiyo majaha,” said a warrior
loosely translated to mean: “This is the real Incwala Ceremony.” Also, the
guard of honour endured it all as they remained in the arena until the rain was
over. At this point, some of the attendees had sought refuge under some shelter
that had not been disturbed by the heavy rains.
After a few minutes, the weather was then calm and there was sunshine again just
before the King proceeded to inspect the guard of honour. The Monarch then
inspected the regiment before greeting the diplomats present at the event. Worth
noting was that all regiments present were filled with admiration as the King
passed by. They sang the King’s praise on top of their voices. Meanwhile, some
of the country’s visitors from the Republic of South Africa said the event was
not only physical but was also mental.
“We came to Eswatini in respect of the Prince Shiselo’s invite. We met him
at one of the cultural events in Limpompo. Incwala Ceremony is a beautiful event
which needs to be uplifted,” said Wihan Coetser, who came along with Eric
Ribeiro. The duo, who was clad in traditional regalia, stated that the prince
organised the regalia so that they looked beautiful  at the event. “We had to
test for COVID-19 because we had already vaccinated. “However, we missed the
long walk due to the delayed COVID-19 results. We will be back for any other
possible event in Eswatini,” the duo said. Worth noting is that the duo also
endured it all as they remained with the warriors until the end of the event.