Times Of Swaziland: KING ANNOUNCES NEW HOLIDAY FOR LUTSANGO

KING ANNOUNCES NEW HOLIDAY FOR LUTSANGO
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Joseph Zulu and Sibusiso Shange on 23/02/2025 08:18:00


BUHLENI - His Majesty King Mswati III has bestowed a special honour upon the
women’s regiment, known as Lutsango, in Eswatini by instituting a public
holiday that will benefit the entire nation. The King declared that the Monday
following the second leg of the event, traditionally held at Hlane Royal
Residence, shall be recognised as a holiday.
Addressing Lutsango and attendees of the first segment of the Buganu (Marula)
Festival at Buhleni Royal Residence yesterday, the head of State announced this
significant decision.
He noted that the public holiday, currently observed on July 22, in honour of
the late King Sobhuza II’s birthday, will now coincide with the Lutsango
holiday and be celebrated on that Monday. His Majesty remarked that while some
might be curious about when this holiday will commence, it will be observed on
the Monday following the weekend of the Buganu Festival’s second leg at Hlane.
The King further explained that the second part of the festival, which typically
occurs 14 days later, emphasised the realignment of the July 22 holiday to
celebrate alongside the Lutsango holiday. He affirmed that King Sobhuza would be
delighted to join in the festivities with Lutsango. Additionally, His Majesty
highlighted that while young maidens and Ingaja have holidays dedicated to the
Reed Dance and Incwala, respectively, Lutsango had been overlooked for too long.
This new holiday rectifies that omission.
Creative
In his address, the King expressed gratitude to the women for their robust
attendance and their creative composing of songs. He emphasised that the marula
fruit is not only used in brewing, but also has versatile applications, such as
in the production of soap, jam and sweets. He encouraged the women to capitalise
on the burgeoning market potential for the marula tree. The King also thanked
Lutsango for their generous delivery of gallons of buganu to the royal
residence, marking the occasion with warmth and appreciation. On the other hand,
Her Majesty Indlovukazi said women were able to bring quality fruits, vegetables
and the marula despite the storms.