Times Of Swaziland: KING COMMISSIONS INGATJA, INCWALA HOLIDAY CONFIRMED

KING COMMISSIONS INGATJA, INCWALA HOLIDAY CONFIRMED
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Sibusiso Shange and Mnelisi Dlamini on 16/12/2024 08:30:00


NGABEZWENI- “Nibuye naloluhle, loludliwa tindlovu, hhayi tinsaba (bring
quality lusekwane, not sticks).”
This is what His Majesty King Mswati III told Ingatja when commissioning them to
fetch lusekwane yesterday. Lusekwane is a thorny tree that is traditionally used
to cover the King’s enclosure (Inhlambelo during the course of the Main
Incwala Ceremony. Incwala is the most significant cultural event in Eswatini. It
is fetched at moon rise on the first day of the full moon, marking the beginning
of the Main Incwala Ceremony, which is the most significant ceremony in the
history of Eswatini.
Scheduled
The much-anticipated event has been scheduled for December 18, 2024, which was
also declared a public holiday by the Minister for Home Affairs, Princess
Lindiwe, with instruction from the King. The event brings together emaSwati and
other nations of the world for the celebration of the fruit of the first
harvest. The nation also celebrates the existence of peace and stability since
the country gained its independence from Britain in 1968. EmaSwati also thank
God and ancestors for the gift of life and seek guidance and protection during
the course of the new year inside the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre. Worth noting is
that Ludzidzini is the main royal residence in the country.
Through Indvuna Finyeza, the King urged the young boys to bring quality shrubs,
before wishing them a safe journey. On the other hand, Ingatja thanked His
Majesty for food parcels, T-shirts and bags, which were distributed prior to
their commissioning. The attendance of Ingatja got people talking, as they
filled all the open spaces inside the royal residence, while others stood next
to the road in readiness for the over 50-kilometre march to Esikhaleni
Selusekwane, prior to their commissioning. The young boys, who were accompanied
by the King and warriors, left the royal residence in song, while showing their
excitement throughout the journey.
Also noted was that operations were temporarily halted as the young boys and the
warriors passed by.  Some emaSwati, inclusive of parents and children,
positioned themselves strategically next to the public road to cheer the
regiment as they passed by. Some waved their hands, while others shouted
‘Bayethe’ as the King passed by. Security personnel were deployed to ensure
order. However, some excited boys failed to contain their joy. “Ey, naze
nahamba kahle sesidziniwe tibunu,” said some of the people who were seated
next to the road as some uniformed soldiers passed by.