BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Before thousands of Imbali step forward in their colourful attire, raise their voices in traditional songs and proudly carry the reeds of Umhlanga, their cultural journey begins at home — nurtured by families, shaped by communities and strengthened by those who teach them the values of their heritage.
His Majesty King Mswati III has recognised the contribution of community leaders, families and grassroots structures in preparing the Imbali for Umhlanga 2026, saying their work has helped ensure the young maidens participate in the national cultural celebration in impressive numbers.
Speaking during the official opening of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini on Saturday, August 29, 2026, His Majesty praised those who worked at community level to encourage and prepare the maidens for the ceremony.
“We commend everyone who worked at the community level to encourage the maidens in their homes, preparing them so they could come out and participate in such large numbers,” His Majesty said.
The King placed particular emphasis on the grassroots communities where the Imbali are rooted, recognising their responsibility in ensuring that young maidens arrive at Umhlanga grounded, well-nurtured and prepared to represent Eswatini’s culture with pride.
“We particularly wish to acknowledge and recognise the efforts that come from the grassroots where the regiment of girls are rooted in their communities, who have taken a significant role in ensuring that as they come out, they come grounded and well-nurtured to represent the culture,” he said.
His Majesty’s remarks underline a powerful truth about cultural preservation: culture begins at home.
Long before the Imbali gather at the royal residences or travel to the reed fields, families and communities play a fundamental role in teaching young people the values, customs and traditions that they eventually carry into national ceremonies.
That community foundation has been visible throughout Umhlanga 2026, with thousands of Imbali participating with discipline, unity, confidence and pride.
The ceremony has also attracted maidens from neighbouring countries, adding another dimension to the celebration and demonstrating the cultural significance Umhlanga holds beyond Eswatini’s borders.
His Majesty welcomed their participation, noting that the celebration has brought together young women from Eswatini and neighbouring countries to share in the cultural experience.
The King also expressed appreciation for the continued preservation of Eswatini’s traditions and customs through the active participation of the younger generation.
“We appreciate seeing our traditions and customs being preserved in Eswatini, involving our entire nation, including the youth. This demonstrates that our culture is moving forward,” His Majesty said.
For the King, the involvement of young people is particularly significant because it provides confidence that Eswatini’s cultural identity will continue to be carried forward.
“As we celebrate our heritage and cultural maidenhood as a nation, it gives one joy to note that even the young people are associating themselves and being a part of our celebration as a nation. It gives one hope that the future is indeed bright,” he said.
The remarks come as Umhlanga 2026 reaches Day Five, following the reed-cutting exercise on August 27 and the organised return journey on August 28.
During the reed-cutting exercise, thousands of Imbali were deployed to designated royal sites, with older maidens harvesting reeds at Mpisi Farm and younger maidens participating at Masundvwini.
The following day saw the Imbali begin their return journey, proudly carrying the reeds they had harvested as they made their way back towards the royal residences.
Their participation has provided a vivid demonstration of what community nurturing can produce — young EmaSwati confidently participating in one of the Kingdom’s most important cultural traditions.
Behind the colour, songs and celebration is therefore a network of families, community leaders and grassroots structures that prepare young people long before they enter the national spotlight.
Culture begins at home. It is nurtured by the community, carried by the youth and preserved through participation.
As Umhlanga 2026 continues, His Majesty’s recognition of the grassroots contribution serves as a reminder that the future of Eswatini’s cultural heritage rests not only in the ceremony itself, but also in the communities that continue to nurture the generation entrusted with carrying it forward.
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