KING COMMISSIONS INGATJA, INCWALA HOLIDAY CONFIRMED

NGABEZWENI- “Nibuye naloluhle, loludliwa tindlovu, hhayi tinsaba (bring quality lusekwane, not sticks).”

This is what His Majesty King Mswati III told Ingatja when commissioning them to fetch lusekwane yesterday. Lusekwane is a thorny tree that is traditionally used to cover the King’s enclosure (Inhlambelo during the course of the Main Incwala Ceremony. Incwala is the most significant cultural event in Eswatini. It is fetched at moon rise on the first day of the full moon, marking the beginning of the Main Incwala Ceremony, which is the most significant ceremony in the history of Eswatini.

Scheduled

The much-anticipated event has been scheduled for December 18, 2024, which was also declared a public holiday by the Minister for Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe, with instruction from the King. The event brings together emaSwati and other nations of the world for the celebration of the fruit of the first harvest. The nation also celebrates the existence of peace and stability since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1968. EmaSwati also thank God and ancestors for the gift of life and seek guidance and protection during the course of the new year inside the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre. Worth noting is that Ludzidzini is the main royal residence in the country.

Through Indvuna Finyeza, the King urged the young boys to bring quality shrubs, before wishing them a safe journey. On the other hand, Ingatja thanked His Majesty for food parcels, T-shirts and bags, which were distributed prior to their commissioning. The attendance of Ingatja got people talking, as they filled all the open spaces inside the royal residence, while others stood next to the road in readiness for the over 50-kilometre march to Esikhaleni Selusekwane, prior to their commissioning. The young boys, who were accompanied by the King and warriors, left the royal residence in song, while showing their excitement throughout the journey.

Also noted was that operations were temporarily halted as the young boys and the warriors passed by.  Some emaSwati, inclusive of parents and children, positioned themselves strategically next to the public road to cheer the regiment as they passed by. Some waved their hands, while others shouted ‘Bayethe’ as the King passed by. Security personnel were deployed to ensure order. However, some excited boys failed to contain their joy. “Ey, naze nahamba kahle sesidziniwe tibunu,” said some of the people who were seated next to the road as some uniformed soldiers passed by.

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