Swazi Observer

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INGAJA ADMIRES IMBALI FROM AFAR

By NOKUPHILA HAJI | 2024-09-04

DESPITE being turned back when they wanted to join the king in appreciating the young maidens, Ingaja stayed put and enjoyed the delivery of the reed.

The young boys were littered all over Ludzidzini Royal Residence to watch Imbali from all over the country and outside borders deliver the reed before Their Majesties on Sunday.

When the king went to the arena to appreciate Imbali, some boys as young as five years old tried to join him but were denied the chance by tindvuna who were heard saying it goes by age. Despite being turned back, the young boys kept their cool and appreciated watching his majesty do Kudlalisela from the stands.

Thandokuhle Kunene said he was sad that they were turned back, but highlighted that he understood where the tindvuna were coming from. He said he once joined the king during Kudlalisela last year and wanted to join him even this time.

“I hope that not many people will be here tomorrow (Monday) so that we can be given the platform to join the king.

Nothing makes a young man happy than joining the king in such activities,” he said.
Some of the young boys who were found at the royal residence earlier said they were happy to be part of the Umhlanga Ceremony.

They said this was despite that they also had their Lusekwane ceremony which normally takes place around December. Malungelo Zikalala said he was from Lobamba and was having fun watching Imbali dance before Their Majesties.

He said it was beautiful seeing the maidens carry the reed highlighting that he had attended Umhlanga Ceremony with his friends.

Mcebo Nkambule said they were attending the ceremony because they were from areas around the residence.

Exposed
Nkambule said he appreciated staying around Lobamba because they were exposed to a lot of things, including Incwala, Lusekwane and other national events.

Meanwhile, Gabazi Dlamini said the songs that the maidens were singing were soothing to him. He said this was why he appreciated culture, especially Umhlanga Ceremony.

Nkhosenhle Dlamini said he was from Mvutjini and was at the reed dance because the king had commissioned Imbali to the royal residence.

“The king commissioned everyone for the umhlanga and when the king calls the nation to a royal residence, we have to attend in numbers,” he said.

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