Phezu Komkhono!
Buhleni Royal residence in the Hhohho region came alive this past weekend when thousands of members of the Lutsango regiment responded to the call by Their Majesties to attend the Buganu (Marula) ceremony for 2023. The mood was celebratory throughout the weekend as upon arrival on the Friday, the women were jubilant, singing and dancing on their way to deliver their gifts to their Majesties which were received by Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Clad in their different traditional regalia, Lutsango presented gifts including fruits, vegetables handicraft as well as the marula brew around which the ceremony is centered.
His Majesty King Mswati III, addressing the nation at the ceremony, noted that Lutsango has over the years been integral in leading the way and showcasing their creative flair in handicraft, food production, song composition and finding innovative ways to preserve the Swati culture something which he said their Majesties remain eternally thankful for. The King shared that the level of excellence displayed by the regiment through their different programmes and projects had attracted investors some of whom were present on the day to see how they can assist in ensuring that the hard work put in by the regiment grows to become meaningful and profitable enterprises.
As the nation goes to the polls this year, His Majesty the King continued “Everything that you have and continue to do bear testament to your abilities and we are hopeful that women will support one another as they also have the advantage of numbers changing the narrative that women do not support one another. You are well able to lead and have the ability to make a meaningful contribution towards finding solutions even to the challenges that the country is facing.”
Also speaking to the regiment, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi commended the large number of the Lutsango regiment that turned out bearing gifts which she said was evidence of their industrious nature thanking them for playing their role in preserving culture. Her Majesty noted that the Marula ceremony was critical for the development of women as it provides them with a platform to exchange ideas. She said “As long as there are women of your calibre, food insecurity will remain a mere threat in Eswatini because of your commitment to providing for yourselves and your families”.
The three-day ceremony ended on Sunday with the regiment receiving gifts from Their Majesties marking the end of the first half of the ceremony. Their majesties will soon announce when the second edition of the ceremony which will be held at Hlane Royal Residence will take place.
By Sinethemba Dlamini for EBIS News
