Times Of Swaziland: IMBALI WARNED AGAINST SAME SEX RELATIONS

IMBALI WARNED AGAINST SAME SEX RELATIONS
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Sibusiso Shange on 28/08/2024 10:17:00


LUDZIDZINI - Imbali has been warned against engaging in same sex relations
during the course of the Reed Dance.The annual Reed Dance, know as Umhlanga, is
an annual event where maidens from all four regions of the country assembly in
one place, for the fetching of reed from swamps, with instruction from His
Majesty King Mswati III. The reed is then used to cover enclosures (emaguma) in
the country’s royal residences and royal kraals. During the event, which is
aimed at encouraging the girl child to preserve her purity, the young girls are
afforded the opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and
the entire world.  The event is not limited to emaSwati, but open to other
African tribes with the same belief. The maidens were yesterday warned against
engaging in the act, upon arrival to register for the event at Ludzidzini Royal
Residence. “You are warned against engaging in same sex relationships during
the course of the event. War unto those who will be found to have engaged in
same sex relations here,” said one of the tindvuna repeatedly.
Lilahle
“Akukabhekeki kutsi bese nitsandzana nebebulili bunye. Lotawutfolakala asente
njalo, nalo lilahle kuye,” said the indvuna in vernacular. The young girls
were also warned against singing vulgar songs during the event. They were
further warned against artificial hair and urged to maintain natural hair.The
indvuna went on to warn the maidens against wearing leggings, sun shades and
miniskirts, as well as going to other events, such as the Trade Fair.“You are
strictly warned against loitering. No one is expected to be found at the Gables
without valid reasons. You are also warned against littering,” warned the
indvuna.
Relations
The young girls were also warned against engaging in sexual relations during the
course of the event. They were reminded that they are expected to sleep
separately from tindvuna.“Akukabhekekeki kutsi kube khona losavuka elawini,”
said the tindvuna in vernacular, loosely translated to mean: “No one is
expected to wake up in a man’s house.”
The young girls were urged to remain in their camps, pending orders of each day.
They were also informed about bathing at intervals. The maidens will assembly at
Ludzidzini Royal Residence today, pending their dispersal by The Queen Mother.
They would then march to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they would be
commissioned by the King to fetch the reed today.