LUDZIDZINI- On the fifth day of the ongoing annual Umhlanga Ceremony, maidens are being lectured on life skills. Among those who dedicated time to deliver a lecture was the well-known comedian Jacob Shongwe, whose stage name is Gedlembane.
Shongwe’s lecture focused on old men, commonly referred to as ‘blessers’, who continue to take advantage of young girls. He warned the maidens to be vigilant against these older men, who often offer money and material possessions to lure them into romantic relationships.
He explained that while things might seem well at first, problems tend to arise when the young girls become pregnant. He stated, “the old men will show you their true colours once they discover that you are pregnant. They will start rejecting you while claiming their marriages.”
Also present at the event were representatives from the Ministry of Health, who provided education to the young girls about cervical and breast cancer. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training spoke to the girls about the importance of the Siswati language and culture.
It is worth noting that the annual Umhlanga Ceremony is one of the most significant events that brings together young girls from all four corners of the country and beyond. The essence of the ceremony is to have the young girls celebrate their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world. This event serves as a means of appreciating and encouraging the girl child to preserve their virginity while focusing on their studies until their appointed time for personal choices.
After returning from their various camps with the reed, the young girls took a rest. It is important to highlight that the cutting of the reed is reserved exclusively for the young girls as a symbol of appreciation for maintaining their virginity.
The young girls will deliver the reeds before Their Majesties and then proceed to the arena, where they will share a brief presentation of what they will be showcasing before Their Majesties and the entire world on Monday, which is the main day of the ceremony. Most notably, on Monday, the girls will be clad in their full traditional attire. They will march slowly before Their Majesties and the audience, displaying their cultural pride.
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