Times Of Swaziland: 109-YEAR-OLD RECEIVES KING’S IMBASHA

109-YEAR-OLD RECEIVES KING’S IMBASHA
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Joseph Zulu on 19/01/2025 06:49:00


BUHLENI – “I will buy whatever my heart desires.”
These were the words of Jehedala Dlamini, who is 109 years old, when he received
timbasha – including cash of E1 200 and calendars – yesterday. Imbasha, in
this context, refers to a token of appreciation from the King. The King
appreciated the regiment (libutfo) for participating in the recent Incwala
Ceremony – the country’s supreme cultural rite. Timbasha were distributed
yesterday at the Buhleni Royal Residence, particularly for those who did not
receive the money via electronic transfer.
Disbursements
The funds were disbursed at the command of His Majesty the King. The
disbursements, which followed the annual Incwala Ceremony, were overseen by
members of the King’s regiment, who arrived at the palace in significant
numbers. After the ceremony, the warriors, known as libutfo, also paid their
respects to Their Majesties by weeding the royal fields voluntarily.
Security was visibly tight at the Buhleni Royal Residence, with soldiers and
police officers strategically positioned to ensure the smooth running of the
process. The area, where the disbursement was being done was not overcrowded,
though. The regiments received the money, E1 000 in cash. This was done for
those who had not received the money electronically despite having registered
earlier.
Speaking after receiving the money, Dlamini praised His Majesty for consistently
honouring the regiments with these gifts. “I have been receiving imbasha for
many years,” he said, adding that he planned to buy “whatever his heart
desired,” though he had not yet decided on specific purchases. Dlamini, who is
married to three wives, revealed that he once had more spouses, though he could
no longer recall the exact number. He was excited and was also given three
calendars for his wives.
Wanted
The elderly man said he did not know what he would use the money for but he
would follow his heart to buy what he wanted.  He also shouted the traditional
call of bayethe as well as praising Their Majesties for the timbasha.
The timbasha payments were part of E33 million allocated by His Majesty to the
regiments, ensuring that members, including Ingaja, were supported.
Yesterday’s cash distribution was the first, with a second round scheduled to
take place at regional palaces, as reported by the Times of Eswatini earlier in
the week. The old man, even though walking with difficulty, hardly missed the
ceremonies and is regarded as a legend in cultural matters. Servicemen usually
receive imbasha as well, even those who might have missed this year’s
ceremonies.