Culture

LOBAMBA – In a historic turn of events, this year’s Reed Dance Ceremony embraced maidens with disabilities, marking a new chapter of inclusivity.

The presence of these young women, who danced before Their Majesties and thousands of onlookers, was a powerful and emotional sight for many. This initiative was championed by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, which provided support to ensure their participation.

Twenty-eight special maidens, some dancing and others on wheelchairs, exuded joy and pride as they made their way across the arena. The maidens performed to the song ‘Siva kubhodla, kunembube kuneNgwenyama, kuyababa kuyahawuzela,’ which they had rehearsed with Princess Sakhizwe’s regiment. The Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, was instrumental in this momentous occasion.

She accompanied the maidens to cut the reed at Bhamusakhe and visited their camp at Lobamba to ensure they were well situated. The maidens arrived at the ceremony in new government-provided vehicles.

The public response on social media was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the event as beautiful, heart-warming and a move towards greater unity. One commenter wrote that this was a beautiful initiative and that they were happy to see this happening. Another commenter described it as ‘more than beautiful’, while another said it was amazing to see the girls ‘give it their all’. Several people thanked government for the efforts and some expressed hope for this kind of inclusivity to be extended to schools and workplaces. One commenter stated: “Nothing for us without us, thanks for bringing up disability to be ability.”

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Ceremony ends with showers

BY SIBUSISO SHANGE

LUDZIDZINI - The first leg of this year’s annual Reed Dance Ceremony ended unexpectedly as rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, poured down at the Ludzidzini Cultural Stadium.

The first drops fell just after Princess Lomabheka, who leads the Bhamusakhe Regiment, took to the stage to perform kugiya. 

The audience was the first to leave, followed by the maidens, who began to run away from the stadium. Wendy Hleta, who was directing the proceedings, initially urged the maidens to remain at the stadium. However, she soon changed her advice and urged the young maidens to run to their parents for safety. She also instructed security personnel to monitor the gates to ensure safety. At the time, some people were hiding under the shelter while others continued to brave the rain.  Immediately after the shout of ‘Bayethe’, both the maidens and those present quickly left the venue. It is worth noting that rain is often associated with blessings during cultural events.

Liphovela LaZuma jumps towards dad, His Majesty

BY SIBUSISO SHANGE

LUDZIDZINI - Liphovela to His Majesty King Mswati III, LaZuma, screamed and jumped towards her father and the King during the appreciation of Imbali, known as kudlalisela.

This was during the Main Day of the first leg of the Annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga) Ceremony at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

LaZuma was unable to contain her joy, as the King and her father approached the regiment of Bayes’khulu. She leapt several metres towards her father, who was with the King. She was then seen smiling while looking at the King, before returning to the formation.

Full article available in our publication.

Imbali with disabilities joined other maidens and danced before Their Majesties.