IMBALI WARNED AGAINST SAME SEX RELATIONS

LUDZIDZINI - Imbali has been warned against engaging in same sex relations during the course of the Reed Dance.The annual Reed Dance, know as Umhlanga, is an annual event where maidens from all four regions of the country assembly in one place, for the fetching of reed from swamps, with instruction from His Majesty King Mswati III. The reed is then used to cover enclosures (emaguma) in the country’s royal residences and royal kraals. During the event, which is aimed at encouraging the girl child to preserve her purity, the young girls are afforded the opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world.  The event is not limited to emaSwati, but open to other African tribes with the same belief. The maidens were yesterday warned against engaging in the act, upon arrival to register for the event at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. “You are warned against engaging in same sex relationships during the course of the event. War unto those who will be found to have engaged in same sex relations here,” said one of the tindvuna repeatedly.  

Lilahle

“Akukabhekeki kutsi bese nitsandzana nebebulili bunye. Lotawutfolakala asente njalo, nalo lilahle kuye,” said the indvuna in vernacular. The young girls were also warned against singing vulgar songs during the event. They were further warned against artificial hair and urged to maintain natural hair.The indvuna went on to warn the maidens against wearing leggings, sun shades and miniskirts, as well as going to other events, such as the Trade Fair.“You are strictly warned against loitering. No one is expected to be found at the Gables without valid reasons. You are also warned against littering,” warned the indvuna.

Relations

The young girls were also warned against engaging in sexual relations during the course of the event. They were reminded that they are expected to sleep separately from tindvuna.“Akukabhekekeki kutsi kube khona losavuka elawini,” said the tindvuna in vernacular, loosely translated to mean: “No one is expected to wake up in a man’s house.”
The young girls were urged to remain in their camps, pending orders of each day. They were also informed about bathing at intervals. The maidens will assembly at Ludzidzini Royal Residence today, pending their dispersal by The Queen Mother. They would then march to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they would be commissioned by the King to fetch the reed today.

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