HLANE – Lutsango from His Majesty’s Correctional Services united the nation in a song of praise to His Majesty King Mswati III for his 40 years on the throne. This was during the march dance known as kuhlehla.
The regiment performed a song titled ‘Seyingemashimi lamane iminyaka solo lisetandleni takho Ngwenyama.’ With their well-organised rhythm and flow of words, the regiment danced slowly, captivating the audience. They marched at a slow pace before Their Majesties, occasionally waving the national flag to the admiration of those watching.
The audience responded enthusiastically, whistling and singing along as they danced slowly towards the regiment. Of particular interest to spectators was the manner in which the lead singers played with the words, singing praises to the King with skill and creativity. Some members of the audience even shouted, “Siyakuva eluphondvweni.”
By elupbondvweni, they meant the women at the edge of the formation, in particular at the front.
Many noted the energy and ingenuity displayed by the performers. This performance followed earlier displays by the Eswatini Umbutfo Defence Force Lutsango and the regiment from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, both of which also drew admiration and discussion from the crowd. Regiments from other entities opted to sing songs related to their respective mandates. For example, Lutsango from the Ministry of Finance celebrated their role in financial distribution, while Lutsango from Nkhaba sang about their origins from the area known as Eludlambedlwini.
The thousands of regiment members began arriving and marching into the arena shortly after the arrival of Their Majesties, at around 4pm.
It is worth noting that the Buganu Ceremony is a way of celebrating women in the country. During this event, women across the nation are given the opportunity to present products manufactured from marula.
They also present tetfulo, which includes fruits, vegetables and other goodies, to Their Majesties. Additionally, women have the opportunity to share life skills and learn about opportunities from different companies that have stalls at the event.
The regiment is also given the chance to showcase their dance skills before Their Majesties and the entire world.
It should be noted that the songs performed at the event carry strong messages, carefully composed to condemn, criticise, commend, praise or warn regarding events related to politics, society and the economy in the country.
The ceremony is the first cultural ceremony, followed by the celebration of the girl child during the annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga), which normally take place at the last week of August.
During this event, the girl child showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world, which is a way of encouraging them to preserve their virginity while focusing on their studies.
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