BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – As anticipation builds for the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance, thousands of maidens are preparing to gather at Ludzidzini Royal Residence for a celebration that continues to unite generations, preserve Eswatini’s cultural heritage and instil a sense of pride, discipline and identity among young emaSwati women.
For many maidens, Umhlanga is a cherished opportunity to celebrate their culture, forge lasting bonds and learn the values and traditions passed down from one generation to the next.
For Bongiwe “Vivane” Hlatjwako, however, the ceremony represents a journey that has been woven into her life since childhood.
Hlatjwako first participated in Umhlanga when she was just eight years old. Years later, she has grown from a young maiden into an Indvuna yeMbali, taking on the responsibility of guiding, mentoring and supporting younger maidens as they navigate their own Umhlanga journey.
In an interview with Eswatini Positive News, Hlatjwako reflected on her years of participation, describing the experience as one that has given her a deeper appreciation of Eswatini’s cultural identity and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
She said one of the most meaningful aspects of her journey has been witnessing thousands of maidens come together in unity, discipline and pride to celebrate their heritage.
“Serving as Indvuna yeMbali has given me the opportunity to mentor young women, encourage them to respect our traditions, and watch many of them grow into confident and responsible leaders,” she said.
For Hlatjwako, seeing young maidens develop into confident and responsible women has made her role particularly rewarding.
She said her greatest achievement is knowing that she is playing a part in ensuring that Eswatini’s cultural identity remains strong and continues to be passed on to future generations.
“Knowing that I am contributing to the preservation of our cultural identity is my greatest achievement,” she said.
As the 2026 Umhlanga approaches, Hlatjwako has encouraged maidens to prepare themselves for the ceremony, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.
She advised maidens to prioritise their health by drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest before and during the ceremony.
However, she stressed that physical preparation should go hand in hand with understanding the deeper meaning of Umhlanga.
Hlatjwako encouraged maidens to learn about the purpose and significance of the ceremony and to participate with respect, discipline and an open mind.
She also urged them to support one another, work together and follow the guidance of their leaders throughout the ceremony.
“Work together with fellow maidens, follow the guidance of your leaders and maintain a positive attitude throughout the ceremony,” she advised.
According to Hlatjwako, every maiden has a responsibility to uphold the values that lie at the heart of Umhlanga.
She said participants should demonstrate respect, humility, discipline, unity and pride in their cultural heritage, reminding them that their behaviour represents more than just themselves.
“Umhlanga is more than a ceremony, it is a symbol of our identity, values, and traditions,” she said.
She further urged maidens to carry themselves with dignity, remembering that their actions reflect on their families, communities and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Every participant should conduct herself with dignity and remember that she represents not only herself but also her family, her community, and the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Hlatjwako said.
The 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance is scheduled to commence with the arrival and registration of maidens, known as Imbali, at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on August 25.
The days that follow will see maidens participate in the traditional cutting and transportation of reeds, leading up to the main ceremony and climax on August 31, which has been declared a public holiday.
The annual Umhlanga Reed Dance remains one of Eswatini’s most significant cultural celebrations, bringing together thousands of young women from across the Kingdom and providing a platform for the country’s traditions and cultural values to be celebrated and passed on.
The event also provides an important boost to local economic activity, with increased demand for accommodation, transport, food and traditional crafts expected to benefit businesses and communities in areas such as Manzini, Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley.
As someone who has experienced Umhlanga both as a young maiden and now as an Indvuna yeMbali, Hlatjwako has encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity before them.
She said the experience should be approached with confidence, joy and respect, while maidens should treasure the memories and lessons they gain along the way.
“I encourage every maiden to participate with confidence, joy, and respect. Treasure this opportunity because it is a unique celebration of who we are as emaSwati,” she said.
Hlatjwako also called on maidens to support one another, obey their leaders and remain committed to upholding the values of Umhlanga throughout the ceremony.
“May this year’s ceremony strengthen our unity, preserve our traditions, and leave every maiden with lasting memories and valuable life lessons,” she said.
For Hlatjwako, Umhlanga is ultimately about more than the reeds, the gathering or the ceremony itself. It is about identity, unity and the responsibility of ensuring that the cultural heritage of Eswatini remains alive for generations to come.
As the Kingdom prepares to welcome another generation of maidens to Ludzidzini, her message is one of encouragement: embrace the experience, respect the culture, support one another and, above all, treasure Umhlanga.
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(Courtesy Pic)
