INGATJA HEED KING’S CALL

LUDZIDZINI - As emaSwati prepare for the Main Incwala Ceremony, it is advisable that they do their shopping before 1pm tomorrow.

This is because shops will be required to close by 1pm in respect of the most significant event in the country, Incwala.  Worth noting is that 1pm is normally the starting time of the event, depending on circumstances. However, there will be exceptions for certain types of businesses, such as food outlets, pharmacies and filling stations.  The stance was confirmed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, in a statement, after clarity on the issue was sought yesterday.

The ministry, through its Communications Officer Andile Dlamini, said the Shop Trading Hours Act of 2011, allows businesses to operate 24 hours a day, with the exception of the Main Incwala Ceremony.  The ministry said on the Main Incwala Day, shops are required to close by 1pm. The legislation aims to provide flexibility of businesses while also recognising cultural and traditional observance associated with Incwala Day,” reads a statement sent by the ministry.  A traditionalist added that loud music is also not allowed during the Main Incwala hours.

Quality of lusekwane impresses His Majesty

LUDZIDZINI - His Majesty King Mswati III was impressed with the quality of lusekwane that was delivered by Ingatja inside the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, yesterday. The King was seen smiling throughout, as he inspected the shrubs from the throngs of Ingatja and Bongengeni, before it was delivered yesterday morning. Ingatja is used to refer to young boys while Bongengeni refers to unmarried adults, who are still eligible to fetch lusekwane. Worth noting is that when commissioning Ingatja last Sunday, the King urged them to bring quality not sticks. By quality, the King meant shrubs with green leaves that will be used to cover his enclosure (Inhlambelo) during the course of the event.

The young boys executed their duties and travelled over 50 kilometres with the shrubs cut during moon rise at Esikhaleni Selusekwane.  They also braved the scorching heat before the delivery of the shrubs.  During the delivery of lusekwane, the King, who is passionate about cultural dances, urged the young boys to take the pattern from Lacwebetelako.

Traditional attire an identity of one’s culture

MBABANE - As emaSwati prepare for the Main Incwala Ceremony, traditional attire is very important to explain their identity to other nations. The event is scheduled for tomorrow at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. Incwala Ceremony is the most significant cultural event in Eswatini.  The annual ceremony brings the nation and other nations together inside the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, for the celebration of the harvest of the first fruit.  The nation also celebrates the existence of peace and stability, since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1968.  

The event affords the nation the opportunity to thank God and ancestors for the gift of life and seek His guidance and protection during the course of the new year. Worth noting, is that a cattle byre is a sacred place where, emaSwati connect with God and ancestors. It is also believed that emaSwati should present themselves before their God and ancestors in their traditional attire, which include umdada, cow tails (sigeja) shield (inyoni), siphandla, umhlandla, simohlwana/ligcebesha, lishoba, umchele and tidvwashi, which are donned by males. Females don separate attire, which also carries significance. 

Interviewed traditionalists said the leopard skin, which is donned by men, was chosen for the animal’s aggression (lulaka). Umdada is the most expensive attire due to its significance during the prestigious event. It has been gathered that the cost of the attire ranges from E15 000 to E25 000. Some warriors shared that they had to part with two heifers for umdada.  
The warriors said sigeja symbolises protection of the country and territory. They said the shield also symbolises the protection of the country.  They said inyoni, which is made of bird’s feathers, is used to hide. However, they stated that inyoni is scarce in the market.  Incwala Ceremony has grown from strength to strength as it attracts all nations of the world. However, the event is guided by its ethics. Security personnel are deployed to assist the public with the no-go zones during the course of the event.

No gadgets, watches

LUDZIDZINI- Security measures have been put in place to ensure that the ethical framework of the annual Incwala Ceremony is adhered to. Security personnel will be deployed to assist the media and the public on how to manoeuvre within controlled areas during the course of the event. One of the controlled areas is the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, where only accredited journalists will be allowed to enter with cameras. Any gadget other than a camera will not be allowed into the cattle byre. Watches are also not allowed. This has been happening during the course of the event, which started with the Little Incwala. Participants are urged to leave their gadgets somewhere before proceeding to the Incwala arena.

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