THOUSANDS AT BUGANU CEREMONY DESPITE RAIN

Lutsango dancing in the rain as they left the royal residence. (Pics: Phephile Motau)

BUHLENI – Wet affair! These two words best describe the Buganu ceremony at Buhleni Royal Residence yesterday, after an afternoon thunderstorm spoilt it. For the first time, people did not listen to His majesty the King making his speech at the ceremony, as it was cut short due to the rain.

Thousands of people had assembled at the royal residence for the annual traditional ceremony, which did not take off due to the thunderstorm which began just before 4pm. At the time, members of the Lutsango Regiment were entering the main arena.
The rain started with a slight drizzle, which did not bother people much as they continued with their activities. Spectators had already sat down in preparation to watch the Lutsango dance.

Her Majesty the Indlovukazi had arrived at the arena, and spent some minutes as the rain got heavier.
The drizzle soon turned into a thunderstorm, and the Lutsango were warned by the master of ceremonies to leave the arena as they continued to dance.
She also said there was nothing sinister about the rain when emaSwati met, and that when people returned home, they would find their fields looking good.

Most people went into different forms of vehicles they were travelling and, and some members of lutsango returned to their respective tents at their camp. The rain lasted for just over an hour. It is worth noting that although the rain spoilt the ceremony, it failed to spoil the mood of the people who had attended.
After the thunder and lightning subsided, some people danced and sang in the rain. Some people left the venue, as chairs and electrical cables were being packed at the main arena.

activities continue

Most members of lutsango expressed their disappointment at the rain since they did not get a chance to showcase their dancing skills in front of Their Majesties. “We are leaving now. What can we do because we are wet and cold? We have been told that the activities will continue inside the royal residence,” said some members of lutsango.

Meanwhile, before the thunderstorm, the sun was scorching hot and people were complaining of the heat.
Others were seen profusely sweating, as they tried ways to cool off.

Members of the public were found sitting under trees enjoying the traditional brew. Others were visiting the stalls set up by companies to showcase their products. Other stalls sold food, drinks and clothing. The people around the royal residence were dressed in different attires, but many were donned in the traditional attire.

Business was also booming at the local shops, as people packed the area in numbers. The members of the public travelled from as far as Nhlangano.
Sandie Ndlovu said he loved His Majesty, and when he called the nation, he made sure that he attended. The was a minor scare as a herd of cows was driven into the royal residence. A bull ran towards the stalls, causing people to panick and run to safety while screaming. The bull was then directed back to the herd, and they were directed inside the royal residence.

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