Times Of Swaziland: JAN 2 HOLIDAY,  INCWALA BEGINS

JAN 2 HOLIDAY,  INCWALA BEGINS
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Times Reporter and Nonduduzo Kunene on 23/12/2022 08:39:00


MBABANE –  Incwala is expected to commence today.
Incwala is an annual cultural event where emaSwati gather inside the cattle byre
at Ludzidzini Royal Residence in commemoration of peace and stability since the
country gained its independence from Britain on September 6, 1968. The country
also celebrates the first fruit of harvest. The event will start with the Little
Incwala, which is expected to last for about 14 days before the main Incwala.
This comes after the return of the Water Party (Bemanti), from the sea. The
Water Patry had been to the sea since it was assigned to fetch the sacred water
when the King went into seclusion. The King will be joined by all regiments  as
he takes the Little Incwala from one royal residence to another, until he
reaches Buhleni Royal Residence. From Buhleni Royal Residence, the King will
summon all regiments to Ngabezweni Royal Residence in readiness to commission
Ingatja to fetch the sacred shrubs known as lusekwane and red leaves which are
used at the event.
Border hours extended, Jan 2 holiday
The Minister of Home Affairs has declared January 2, 2023 a public holiday,
while one border gate’s operating hours were extended by two hours. The
Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced that the New Year’s Day
holiday would be observed on January 2, 2023. This is in compliance with the
public holiday Act of 1938, specifically section two, which states that any
holiday that falls on Sunday the following Monday shall be observed as a public
holiday. Therefore since New Year’s Day falls on Sunday the holiday would be
observed on Monday. The port of entry that would be operating beyond its normal
hours would be Mahamba Border Gate.