BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
NGABEZWENI- Regiments from across the Kingdom of Eswatini continue to demonstrate strength, unity and determination as they press on with the harvesting of sorghum at the Mfabantfu Royal Fields.
Songs, chants and coordinated movements echoed across the royal fields at Ngabezweni on Saturday as the regiments worked tirelessly to complete the harvesting exercise, despite the vast size of the fields.
Speaking during an interview with Eswatini TV on May 23,2026, His Majesty King Mswati III’s Headman, Finyezi Mncina, said the regiments had remained committed and energetic throughout the ongoing harvesting period.
Mncina explained that the harvesting process is highly organised, with regiments dividing the work into different sections to ensure efficiency.
“There are those carrying knives who cut the sorghum, while others move around shouting ‘Moto moto lapha’ as they collect the harvested crop from those cutting it. Another group responds with ‘Siteshi lapha’ before the sorghum is loaded onto trucks and transported to crib (Enyangweni) where it is stored,” he said.
He said some regiments are tasked with arranging the sorghum inside traditional cribs to ensure it dries properly and remains well preserved.
The King Headman further revealed that the harvesting operation at Mfabantfu Royal Fields was now nearing completion, with only a few sections still remaining.
“Once we finish here, the regiments will proceed to other royal fields to continue with the harvesting programme,” he said.
According to information gathered on the 2026 harvesting programme, regiments officially arrived at the Mfabantfu Royal Fields on Monday, May 11, to begin the annual harvesting exercise. By May 20, the operation had entered its ninth day, with members of the Lacwebetelako regiment participating in large numbers.
Research further indicates that after completing work at Mfabantfu, the regiments traditionally move to other royal fields, including Lozitha (Sihlabeni fields), Lukhutseni, Echibini and Mazibeke, depending on crop readiness and instructions from the Indvuna.
Mfabantfu is regarded as the main royal field where the largest concentration of regiments begins its work before moving to other waiting fields.
The harvesting season traditionally concludes at the Ngabezweni Royal Residence with the royal ceremony known as kucitfwa kwelibutfo, harvesting His Majesty King Mswati III officially disperses the regiments after the completion of their national service duties.
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(Courtesy Pic)
