THUNDER, LIGHTNING AT MAIN INCWALA

MBABANE – Three weather patterns in less than an hour!

This best describes the events leading to the Main Incwala Ceremony, which was held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday afternoon. Attendees at the event can attest to how they experienced three weather patterns in a space of less than an hour ahead of the ceremony. When the first trumpet was blown at around 1pm, the weather was clear with sunshine and a warm breeze. However, in less than 30 minutes, there was thunder and lightning just after warriors had blew the second trumpet. The weather then changed completely and a heavy downpour was experienced for only a few minutes.

Some of the marquees pitched at the venue were blown away by the strong winds that had accompanied the heavy downpour. However, His Majesty King Mswati III and the warriors were not deterred by the changing weather patterns. Some warriors said the sudden change of weather proved that this year’s Incwala Ceremony was real. “Nayo ke Incwala sibili, ngiyo majaha,” said a warrior loosely translated to mean: “This is the real Incwala Ceremony.” Also, the guard of honour endured it all as they remained in the arena until the rain was over. At this point, some of the attendees had sought refuge under some shelter that had not been disturbed by the heavy rains.

After a few minutes, the weather was then calm and there was sunshine again just before the King proceeded to inspect the guard of honour. The Monarch then inspected the regiment before greeting the diplomats present at the event. Worth noting was that all regiments present were filled with admiration as the King passed by. They sang the King’s praise on top of their voices. Meanwhile, some of the country’s visitors from the Republic of South Africa said the event was not only physical but was also mental.

“We came to Eswatini in respect of the Prince Shiselo’s invite. We met him at one of the cultural events in Limpompo. Incwala Ceremony is a beautiful event which needs to be uplifted,” said Wihan Coetser, who came along with Eric Ribeiro. The duo, who was clad in traditional regalia, stated that the prince organised the regalia so that they looked beautiful  at the event. “We had to test for COVID-19 because we had already vaccinated. “However, we missed the long walk due to the delayed COVID-19 results. We will be back for any other possible event in Eswatini,” the duo said. Worth noting is that the duo also endured it all as they remained with the warriors until the end of the event.

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