LIPHOVELA, MAIDENS BRAVE COLD FOR SHISELWENI UMHLANGA

MBANGWENI – The 18 Degrees Celsius predicted for Hlatikhulu, which is the closest town to Mbangweni Royal Residence, did not deter the throngs of maidens who braved the cold yesterday and danced in front of their Majesties during the Shiselweni Reed Dance.

The maidens, who were in their traditional regalia, danced the afternoon away just after 3pm. They eventually started dancing inside the royal residence at about 4pm.
At about 4:20pm, Indvuna Yembali Nonduduzo Zubuko, who had been leading the Imbali regiment in song, was joined by members of the royal family and Liphovela LaMashwama. Leading the regiment was Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso.

 After singing and dancing for a while, Liphovela LaMashwama and princesses who were leading Imbali in song were each handed a bundle of reed. They danced carrying the bundle before delivering it. Notably, while dancing, Liphovela LaMashwama was escorted by a female officer and a wardress from His Majesty’s Correctional Services.

Also, there was an aide making sure the Liphovela was comfortable with the bundle of the reed. 
Thereafter, different members of the regiment danced before His Majesty the King while delivering the reed. Later on, the regiment went to the newly revamped arena where they danced until about 6pm. Just before the end of the dancing, the King danced in segments in front of the regiment.

He was accompanied by King Lokole Shungu Kavabioko from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with whom they danced around the arena (kudlalisela) in front of the maidens. This drew ululations and excitement from the regiment as they were happy to see the King.

According to figures given, there were over 5 000 regiment members from neighbouring countries while locals where estimated to be over 50 000.

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