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‘INCWALA HAS AWAKENED OUR TRUE IDENTITY’

By Nokuzola Thwala | 2024-12-21

The leader of Esandleni Royal Kraal, Chief Prince Sisitwako II has said the ongoing national prayer series of events awakened the identity of Emaswati, regardless of the cross-border barriers.

The chief, who is based in South Africa said he joined the Little Incwala, but had to leave for South Africa due to pressing issues and other work commitments.

He stated that he was pleased with the huge turnout, referring to it as umgcumo lomkhulu.
Other South African based traditional leaders who were present were from Mjindini, Lomshiyo, Mbhuleni, Nkhabalendzala, Makoko, Ermelo, Pongolo, Ebukhwababeni, Witbank, Springs, Dumbe, Newcastle, Volkrust, Sheepmore and Piet Retief.

They also dispatched Ingaja regiment from their respective areas to come and cut lusekwane sacred shrubs and deliver it before the King.

The chief further appreciated the huge turnout regardless of the combination of heavy showers and heat since the beginning of the event.

He, however, quickly noted that the rains indicated that the national prayer was successful. “It is always a pleasure and a great experience for me to be in the presence of Their Majesties during such occasions.

I have been attending Incwala for more than 10 years.
I have been in and out of the country due to other pressing matters in South Africa and have attended on different days since the Little Incwala and would occasionally return to SA.

“I also came through when Ingaja was commissioned and on the main day. I would have loved to visit the different Royal residences, but I need to be at work as well. It is better to travel daily to and from South Africa in order to save on accommodation costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prince Mandlakayise from Eastern Cape shared his excitement after attending the Little Incwala for four consecutive days, which he said was his first time.

He revealed that he was joined by five other regiments from their chiefdom and returned for the main day with more libutfo so they could learn about the Swati culture.

“We had to work on travelling logistics and accommodation so that we come with more males and other regiments to join the Main Incwala. Members of my delegation attested that they enjoyed their stay in Eswatini holistically. There was a heavy downpour on Tuesday as we arrived but we were amazed that people continued to dance throughout.

“I also attended the service at the Tree of Life Ministries Church next to the Royal residence.
“I met a few chiefs, regiment leaders including Indvuna Chakaza Magagula, Prince Majaha and travelled around the country, including visiting Nhlangano,” he said.

Adding, he stated that he learnt more about the country and its heritage. The prince said he felt like a tourist as he visited various attraction sites, including Mantenga Cultural Village and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

He noted that there were lots of Emaswati who lived in neighbouring countries and were willing to learn about their culture, traditions and heritage.

On another note, Princess Nomkhosi stated that her experience was interesting and it was the third time for her to join Incwala. She noted, however that in previous occasions, she only attended the Main Incwala where she learnt new things.

She added that she would return tomorrow and participate in the cultural ceremony until the end of the national prayer. She said she now appreciated the importance of the Incwala ceremony.
The princess said the Little Incwala taught her about culture and traditions, as well as what they needed to know as part of their identity and what it meant to them as the future generation of the country.

“So far, I have learnt who we are as Emaswati, what we are about, what and how to adorn the traditional regalia. I learnt about the importance of Incwala to us as a nation. Incwala is so much sophisticated, everything is done in order and protocol is adhered to and observed.

I was happy to identify children as young as five years old in attendance, because this means they will grow with the knowledge of knowing their identity,” she said.

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