JAN 2 HOLIDAY, INCWALA BEGINS

MBABANE –  Incwala is expected to commence today.

Incwala is an annual cultural event where emaSwati gather inside the cattle byre at Ludzidzini Royal Residence in commemoration of peace and stability since the country gained its independence from Britain on September 6, 1968. The country also celebrates the first fruit of harvest. The event will start with the Little Incwala, which is expected to last for about 14 days before the main Incwala.

This comes after the return of the Water Party (Bemanti), from the sea. The Water Patry had been to the sea since it was assigned to fetch the sacred water when the King went into seclusion. The King will be joined by all regiments  as he takes the Little Incwala from one royal residence to another, until he reaches Buhleni Royal Residence. From Buhleni Royal Residence, the King will summon all regiments to Ngabezweni Royal Residence in readiness to commission Ingatja to fetch the sacred shrubs known as lusekwane and red leaves which are used at the event.

Border hours extended, Jan 2 holiday  

The Minister of Home Affairs has declared January 2, 2023 a public holiday, while one border gate’s operating hours were extended by two hours. The Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced that the New Year’s Day holiday would be observed on January 2, 2023. This is in compliance with the public holiday Act of 1938, specifically section two, which states that any holiday that falls on Sunday the following Monday shall be observed as a public holiday. Therefore since New Year’s Day falls on Sunday the holiday would be observed on Monday. The port of entry that would be operating beyond its normal hours would be Mahamba Border Gate.

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