Times Of Swaziland: BUSELENI, MBELEBELENI, NGCULWINI SHINE

BUSELENI, MBELEBELENI, NGCULWINI SHINE
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Nimrod Hlophe on 27/02/2024 08:59:00


MBABANE – As the Ingwenyama regional culture competitions hit two regions,
three chiefdoms excelled to reach the finals with exceptional talent.
The culture competitions headed south on Saturday, where Shiselweni held its
regional eliminations at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. About 80 teams in
Manzini competed at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday. Ngculwini and Mbelebeleni
were a force to reckon with in this region. Sandile Khumalo was the best praise
singer from Mbelebeleni, taking a giant leap towards the E20 000 jackpot. For
his accomplishment, he received E1 000, as there is a lot at stake for all the
teams on the national phase. Up and coming praise singer Nkosibona ‘Gcayi
Gcayi’ Ndlangamandla from Bhahwini under Mahlangatsha Inkhundla received E3
500 for the runner-up place. Furthermore, Mbelebeleni also excelled under the
Ingadla category, to contest for the E50 000 prize on the national stage. They
have won silver twice.
Meanwhile, Ngculwini walked away with the lutsango regiment prize, towards
improving their 2020 Ingwenyama Cup bronze medal feat. Their maidens, ingadla,
also qualified after missing out in the last edition. The two-time winners
clinched the 2016 and 2017 editions, while being runners-up in the 2018 and 2019
editions. In the Shiselweni region, Nkwene Constituency dominated, contributing
four teams. Buseleni was a cut above the rest, producing three champions in
sibhaca from Buseleni chiefdom, as well as the praise singer in Sukoluhle
Dlamini. Nkwene chiefdom’s lutsango regiment also qualified. Regarding the
prizes, it was explained that the regional champs received lower prizes than the
silver and bronze medallists because there was more at stake for them in the
national phase. The regional competitions wrapped up this weekend, with action
slated for Hhohho on Saturday and Lubombo bringing down the curtain on Sunday.