By NOKUZOLA THWALA | 2024-05-09

HIS Majesty King Mswati IIII has emphasised the importance of upholding culture, traditions and heritage, which identify Emaswati.

He said upholding culture did not mean that they one was not learned, hence the call for the youth to acknowledge who they are through culture and embrace their identity.

He was speaking through Prince David during Mahlalela Royal Family and Mlambo Traditional Council Ummemo held at Mbuzini in Mpumalanga, South Africa, over the weekend.  

Other members of the delegation included Indvuna Lindiwe Manana, Reverend Canon Mandla Dlamini and Almon Mbingo.

The king also noted with concern the increase of gender-based violence cases, noting that children and women were usually the ones most affected and ended up being killed.
The king also expressed his prayers for fair, free, peaceful and successful national elections in South Africa.

He urged Emaswati based in the neighbouring SA to practise their democratic right; to go and vote.

“As the national elections are coming, Eswatini prays and wishes that they are peaceful and successful. As much as there is news of unrest and potential violence threats, the police promised to ensure that there is peace,” he said.

The king also appreciated Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders President Kgoshi Metupe Mokoena for supporting such events.

“Ummemo is not only a beautiful cultural practice but it also enhances peaceful co-existence, which is what we encourage and advocate for. May I also urge the Mahlalela people to live in harmony, which is what we promote,” he said.

The king also lauded the tribe for hosting the day on a month significant to their leader, whose birthday is May and his inauguration was also held in the same month.

‘We appreciate Their Majesties support’

MLAMBO Traditional Council Inkosi Mlambo II Mahlalela has appreciated Their Majesties for supporting their cultural events.

He noted that the cultural troupe brought a different perspective, as they display Swati dances that denote the historical development of Emaswati.

The delegation included members of the Royal family, Border Determination Special Committee as well as different regiments.

Mahlalela said His Majesty King Mswati III needed to be celebrated as a head of State that has kept the country stable and at peace.

He also emphasised that the Mahlalela people were not Shangaans but Emaswati who were left on the other side of the border during the colonialist era. The traditional leader requested Emaswati based in Eswatini to be open to sharing and teaching them about culture and traditions, because their practices have been polluted by their surroundings.

“I am deeply grateful to Their Majesties for always sending a delegation to attend and represent them during such cultural events. By sending a delegation led by Prince David, who is representing him and the cultural troupe, it shows that we are one indeed,” he said.

Mahlalela also urged the committee to remember their mandate and not to downplay its importance as the issue of land was very crucial for the improving economy.

“Land has economic viability and it is our greatest asset, hence it should be kept within our land as Emaswati. The committee should complete their mandate and bring back the land, so that the economy is improved.

“If we didn’t have land, we would have gone hungry with my people because the allocation from the Mpumalanga government is too small,” he said.

Mokoena echoed Mahlalela. He appreciated Their Majesties for always sending a delegation to all Ummemo ceremonies.

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