BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LUDZIDZINI– His Majesty King Mswati III performed Kudlalisela at Ludzidzini on Monday as the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance reached its main and final day.
His Majesty took to the arena and moved among the Imbali as thousands of eMaswati and visitors watched the traditional royal gesture.
Kudlalisela is performed by His Majesty during Umhlanga as he dances and moves around the arena in appreciation of the Imbali who take part in the annual ceremony.
The King’s appearance in the arena followed the arrival of the Imbali from different regiments, who filled the Ludzidzini main arena during the main day of the Reed Dance.
As His Majesty performed Kudlalisela, members of Libutfo were also present in the arena alongside guests who had gathered to witness the proceedings.
South African cultural personality Andries Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakel’umthakathi, also joined Libutfo as the King made his way around the arena.
Following Kudlalisela, His Majesty was joined for a group photograph by former Botswana President Ian Khama, former South African President Jacob Zuma, Botswana Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima, eMazinyane and other guests.
The main day brought the annual ceremony to its conclusion after the Imbali from across Eswatini and beyond the Kingdom’s borders gathered at Ludzidzini.
The official tourism calendar lists August 31 as the main day of the 2026 Umhlanga, with the main ceremony attended by His Majesty King Mswati III.
The Ludzidzini arena was filled to capacity as eMaswati, tourists, dignitaries, cultural personalities and visitors from different countries attended the final day.
The ceremony featured traditional dancing and other cultural activities before the conclusion of the main proceedings.
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