NGABEZWENI- “Nitiphatse kahle Mbali.”
This was a message from His Majesty King Mswati III when commissioning thousands of Imbali from all four corners of the country to fetch the reeds.
The King directed the senior maidens to collect the reeds at Mphisi Farm near Mafutseni. The young maidens, also known as Bhamusakhe, were instructed to gather the reeds at Masundvwini.
The King urged the young girls to show concern and love for one another while adhering to the advice given by the chiefs and bantfwabenkhosi from the various imiphakatsi.
Worth noting is that fetching of the reed is reserved for the young girls as a way of appreciating them for preserving their virginity while focusing on their studies until their alotted time to make their personal choices.
Not only do the young girls fetch the reed, but they are also afforded an opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world. The reed would be fetched today while chastity would be celebrated on Monday.
“Have a safe journey. May God and the ancestors be with you,” the King said, receiving the maidens’ appreciation.
Prior to the commissioning, the young girls received words of wisdom from Her Majesty the Queen Mother at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. From Ludzidzini, the maidens marched to Ngabezweni Royal Residence. They experienced joyful moments along the way, singing and dancing to Gospel and Maskandi songs.
Upon arrival at Ngabezweni Royal Residence, the maidens received sneakers and food. They were filled with admiration as the maroon sneakers were handed to them.
“Yey mahle emaketi, yintofontofo,” exclaimed the majority of the maidens, meaning the sneakers are beautiful and comfortable. Some expressed eagerness to put on the sneakers immediately, while others indicated that they might keep them for the future.
It is worth noting that Their Majesties provide sneakers for the maidens to use during the march to the swamps, where the reeds are fetched. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.
On another note, Princess Sakhizwe, the current leader of the Imbali regiment, thanked the maidens for attending in numbers.
She also encouraged those who will be joining the regiment in the future to come in numbers. The princess expressed gratitude to Their Majesties for their continued care of the regiment, which received brand-new sneakers and food. The princess marched alongside Liphovela LaZuma, Indvuna Bongiwe Vivane Hlatjwako and emazinyane.
The maidens are scheduled to fetch the reeds today and will return to the camps, pending their return to Ludzidzini Royal Residence tomorrow.
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