BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
LUDZIDZINI – “Siyimbali YemaSwati, sichakazile, sitakuncoba kuhlukubetela!”
The powerful voices of Imbali are ringing out as Umhlanga 2026 enters its second day today, carrying a bold message against gender-based violence (GBV) and all forms of abuse.
As thousands of young EmaSwati women continue their cultural journey, the Imbali are using their collective voice to call for an end to violence, urging society to protect women and girls and reject abuse in all its forms.
The rallying cry — declaring that the Imbali will conquer abuse — gives a strong social message to this year’s Umhlanga, placing young women at the centre of a national call for safer families, relationships and communities.
In addition to the powerful GBV message, today, Wednesday, August 26, marks the commissioning of the Imbali, an important stage in the Umhlanga programme as the young women formally receive their responsibilities before proceeding with the activities of the ceremony.
The Imbali will also receive guidance as they prepare for the next stages of Umhlanga, with discipline, unity, respect and teamwork remaining central to their participation.
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, the Imbali will leave for the reed-cutting exercise, where they will gather the reeds that form an important part of the cultural ceremony. They are expected to return with the reeds on Friday, August 28.
As they undertake these activities, the Imbali are being reminded that their role extends beyond participating in cultural traditions. They also have an opportunity to use their collective voice to promote positive values within their communities.
The call to fight GBV reflects values closely associated with Umhlanga — respect, dignity, discipline, unity and responsibility.
The Imbali are urging society to break the silence surrounding abuse and to reject attitudes that normalise violence against women and girls.
Their message is also a reminder that the fight against GBV requires collective action. Families, communities, traditional leaders, institutions and individuals all have a responsibility to prevent abuse, support survivors and promote safe environments.
As Day Two unfolds at Ludzidzini, the Imbali are therefore carrying two important responsibilities — participating in the preservation of Eswatini’s cultural heritage while using their voices to encourage a safer and more respectful society.
“Siyimbali YemaSwati, sichakazile, sitakuncoba kuhlukubetela!”
The declaration is more than a slogan. It is a call for courage, unity and action — urging EmaSwati to stand together against GBV and ensure that abuse has no place in homes, communities or society.
With the commissioning taking place today and the reed-cutting exercise scheduled for tomorrow, Umhlanga 2026 continues to combine cultural pride with a powerful social message.
The Imbali have spoken. Their message is clear: fight GBV, end abuse and build an Eswatini where women and girls can live with dignity, safety and respect.
#Umhlanga2026 #Imbali2026 #EndGBV #EndAbuse #StopGBV #Eswatini #EmaSwati #SiyimbaliYemaSwati
