‘AN INFUSION OF AFRICANS INSPIRED BY CULTURE’

HLANE – His Majesty King Mswati III says the presence of women from other African countries during the Buganu Festival demonstrates that the continent’s leadership has always been inspired by culture.

Making his five-minute address to Lutsango during the second day of the event at Hlane Royal Residence on Saturday, the King did not hide his delight of seeing women from other countries join emaSwati in the event. Notable countries represented during this event included Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Mozambique and South Africa.

Countries

“We are happy that Lutsango today was joined by women from other African countries. Today, we are seeing women from our neighbouring countries, while others from West Africa, which is good to see. This is a demonstration that Africa has always been led by culture,” he said. The King said the importance of women in societies was shown last Friday when the world was celebrating “International Women’s Day”. “This is recognition of the valuable contribution women are making in our societies. Women do a lot of work, from raising and taking care of us, to having valuable impact on the growing of our economy. There is a lot Lutsango is doing,” he said. The King mentioned that this year’s event was hosted at a new stadium (sports arena) largely due to the efforts of Lutsango. “Lutsango took time to collect and make emaganu before coming to dance here. If it were not for such efforts, the idea of this new stadium would not have come,” he said.

 He said Lutsango’s good work was further illustrated by the fact that there was a lot of development in the areas where the Buganu Festival is staged. The first leg of this event was held at Buhleni Royal Residence in northern Hhohho. “Those are fruits of Lutsango’s hard work in the country. That is why we are happy to see women from different countries coming together to support each other,” he said. The King added that the Marula Festival was without a doubt contributing to a united Africa. “The ancestors and God always want to see people together as one. If we continue working together like we are seeing here today, we will get an abundance of blessings,” he said. The King was full of praise for the impressive attendance in the second leg of the event. He said the big numbers made the whole event an overwhelming success. Also sharing the same sentiments was Her Majesty the Queen Mother, who said the Buganu Festival had united and brought various African cultures together in unity and celebration of culture.

International

She applauded local and international Lutsango for coming in numbers to attend the last leg of the ceremony over the past weekend. She also applauded the successful festivals, while noting the need for African nations to support one another. She said this when delivering her keynote address at the last leg of the Buganu Festival, held at Hlane Royal Residence on Saturday. Her Majesty began her address by commending the local and international Lutsango regiment who showcased their skills during the main event. She said as African nations, it was important to unite and support one another as has been the case over the years. “It is prudent to acknowledge that today we are joined in this prestigious event by Lutsango from a number of countries within the continent. As Africans, it is important to stay united and support one another as has been the case in this festival, which is something that we have been doing for generations,” she said.

She, however, expressed her disappointment once again that a majority of the Lutsango Regiment departed early, before Their Majesties could address them. The Queen also raised the same concern during the Buhleni leg of the festival, where a majority of the regiment departed early, much to Her Majesty’s  disappointment. “It is once again disappointing to see the arena depleted of the vast numbers of Lutsango that I saw when I got here,” she said. However, she said she was impressed by the attendance of Lutsango on Friday which marked the first day of the festival, where they delivered the buganu brew and other gifts (tetfulo). She acknowledged the commitment and dedication from Lutsango, who managed to take part in the event and to organise the brew, as well as the other gifts.

She further applauded the husbands of Lutsango, who granted permission to their wives to attend the event, as well as the chiefs from around the country, who encouraged Lutsango to come out in numbers to be part of the festival. She recognised the Lutsango from various parts of the continent and wondered where they got the buganu brew from, as they were not locals.

Commended

The Queen Mother also commended Lutsango for adopting the national motto of business unusual ‘Nkwe’ and urged women around the country to adopt it. She said, as women, they must stay united and support each other locally and internationally. Sending a message to local women, the Queen Mother said they should take it upon themselves to make ends meet and provide, not only for their families, but the nation at large instead of waiting for handouts.

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