BY THEMBA ZWANE
UMHLANGA DAY 1 – Senator Siphelele Mkhonta has pledged to continue supporting Imbali from Mbabane East and Mbabane West Tinkhundla, including providing emahiya for next year’s Umhlanga Cultural Ceremony.
Mkhonta made the commitment during the send-off of Imbali from the two constituencies at Mangwaneni Royal Residence, where the maidens congregated before departing for this year’s Umhlanga ceremony.
The send-off was led by Senator Mkhonta together with Mbabane West Indvuna YeNkhundla Phinda Maziya and Mbabane East Indvuna YeNkhundla Phindile Maziya.
Addressing the Imbali, Mkhonta congratulated them for taking part in what he described as an important national duty and urged them to conduct themselves well and represent their constituencies with pride before Their Majesties.
“Show respect and represent these constituencies well before Their Majesties. Behave well, listen to the instructions of the tindvuna leading Imbali and we trust you will do well,” said Mkhonta.
He also urged the maidens to seek God’s guidance during the cultural event.
Mkhonta said the support he provided was intended to assist Their Majesties in the fulfilment of the important national duty, noting that the Imbali would be well catered for during the ceremony.
“I am sure you will be well catered for by Their Majesties. For us, it is just to assist Their Majesties during this important national duty,” he said.
As part of his contribution towards the preparations, Mkhonta provided emahiya valued at over E10 000, ensuring that the Imbali from Mbabane East and Mbabane West would be appropriately dressed for the cultural event.
He further pledged that his support would continue beyond this year.
“I pledge to continue assisting Their Majesties. We will buy you emahiya even for next year’s Umhlanga Cultural Ceremony,” he said.
Mkhonta acknowledged that the request for assistance came late, but said he was nevertheless able to contribute where possible.
His support towards the Imbali included:
• 10kg rice – 10 packs
• 5kg beans – 10 packs
• Bread – 100 loaves
• Sanitary pads – over 200
• Oros juice, 5 litres – 2 containers
• Jam/bread paste, 5 litres – 6 containers
• Emahiya valued at E10 000
The support was applauded by the Mangwaneni Royal Residence Inner Council. Chairman and spokesperson Mlungisi ‘Khulekela’ Dlamini commended Mkhonta for assisting the Imbali ahead of Umhlanga, particularly through the provision of emahiya, food parcels and sanitary pads.
The Imbali subsequently proceeded with their preparations for participation in the annual cultural ceremony, after receiving instructions from their leaders at the Mangwaneni Royal Residence.
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