Princess Sakhizwe leads thousands to Mpisi Farm reed cutting

MANZINI – Imbali Regiment Leader Princess Sakhizwe yesterday led thousands of young maidens to Mpisi Farm, where they gathered in large numbers to cut reeds as the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony entered its third day.

The princess became the first maiden to cut the reed at around 1:30pm, officially marking the beginning of the reed-cutting exercise before she was followed by Liphovela LaZuma and thousands of other maidens.

The large gathering saw young women from different parts of the country converging at Mpisi Farm, adorned in their traditional attire and singing as they made their way to the reed fields.

The Imbali regiment consisted of young maidens from across the country. Security forces also brought their own Imbali contingents to participate in the cultural exercise.

The presence of the different regiments demonstrated the broad participation in Umhlanga, with young women from different backgrounds coming together under the country’s cultural tradition.

Princess Sakhizwe thanked the maidens for turning up in large numbers, saying their participation was important in ensuring that the country’s culture continued to be preserved.

She urged the maidens to view Umhlanga as more than a cultural gathering, saying it also presented an opportunity for them to learn, develop themselves and contribute towards the country’s economic growth.

Princess Sakhizwe said during song practices, Imbali was also being advised on different ways of starting businesses and creating livelihoods for themselves. She encouraged the young women to identify opportunities that could address some of the economic challenges facing the country while also creating income for themselves.

The princess said young emaSwati should think about businesses that solve problems in their communities instead of waiting for formal employment.

She also encouraged Imbali to support fellow emaSwati by buying locally produced goods and services.

According to Princess Sakhizwe, supporting local businesses was one way of helping strengthen the domestic economy and ensuring that money remained within the country.

She also sought to reassure parents whose daughters were participating in Umhlanga that their children were being properly cared for throughout the ceremony.

The princess said the welfare of Imbali remained a priority, with arrangements made to ensure that maidens received assistance whenever they were sick.

She said the maidens were provided with food and that their safety and general wellbeing were being taken care of during the event.

Princess Sakhizwe further raised concern over the use of social media to tarnish the image of Eswatini’s culture and the country.

She said social media and other media platforms were important because people outside the country relied on them to see and understand what was happening during Umhlanga.

She, therefore, urged everyone attending the event to be responsible about the pictures, videos and information they shared online.

The princess said those using social media had a responsibility to ensure that they promoted a positive and respectful narrative about Eswatini and its culture.