Swazi Observer

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INGAJA HEEDS KING’S DIRECTIVE

By Siphosethu Dlamini | 2024-12-18

The Ingaja regiment appeared to have clearly understood His Majesty the King's message to go and cut the best-sacred shrub, Lusekwane, as they returned with impressive branches after marching from Ngabezweni to Esikhaleni seLusekwane, braving the hot weather conditions.

The king made it clear during the dispersal of Ingaja on Sunday that ‘kufuneka loludliwa tindlovu’ (only the big and best branches were expected)

The regiment arrived at their destination in the late afternoon and waited for the full moon before beginning the ceremonial cutting of Lusekwane at Esikhaleni.

The four-hour journey was filled with energy and excitement as the Ingaja showed resilience and dedication to performing the task.

By the time the first group of the regiment reached the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus, many others were still waiting for their turn to depart from Ngabezweni, as they left the royal residence in groups.

The Ingaja stopped at Masundvwini before proceeding to their final destination.
On their return, they took the same route, stopping again at Masundvwini for supper, and then proceeded to Lozitha for a break.

His Majesty was accompanied by Libutfo, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and several cabinet ministers. These included Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg and Minister of Public Service

Mabulala Maseko among others that also joined the 50km walk in song encouraging Ingaja. The main Libutfo known as Ngengeni returned earlier with His Majesty to Masundwini to dance Incwala before dispersing as they then joined Ingaja in the morning.

Attesting to the very large numbers of the libutfo this year, Ingaja began arriving at Ludzidzini as early as 6am. After walking for the whole night as they left Esikhaleni between 10 and 11pm.

They took a break at 9am before the inspection by His Majesty the King, who indeed appeared quite impressed by the shrub.

The king inspected the Lusekwane at around 10:30am, before proceeding to the cattle byre, where he watched the Ingaja, led by Prince Saziwangaye, deliver the sacred shrub. This delivery lasted for at least two hours due to the large number of Ingaja.

The delivering of Lusekwane was also witnessed by Bokhololo, which is regiment given to church leaders or pastors where both Jericho Bishops Bhekibandla and Khanyakwezwe Vilakati were present among others.

On the other hand, Chief Jongisilo Zanozuko Pokwana ka Menziwa of the Dlamini Clan in Eastern Cape joined by his regiments also graced Lusekwane.

In an exciting show of international recognition for the cultural event, Ingaja from Taiwan also participated along with Ambassador Jeremy Liang.

His Majesty inspected Libutfo as Ingaja visibly showed that they were happy to meet the king.
Despite the high temperatures, the Ingaja continued to show enthusiasm in front of the king as they waited for the end of Incwala around 3pm.

Now that the cutting and delivery of Lusekwane has occurred, today a group of very young boys will be tasked to go cut branches from the black Imbondvo (red bush willow) and Ingaja to will perform kubamba inkunzi leading up to the main Incwala day tomorrow.

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