BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBANGWENI– Beyond the reeds, songs and traditional attire of the Umhlanga Second Leg, Imbali received a powerful message: protecting young girls and promoting education are essential to building a stronger future for Eswatini.
The message was delivered through the Khulisa Umntfwana campaign during the second day of the Umhlanga Second Leg on September 12, 2026, at Mbangweni Royal Residence in Shiselweni.
The campaign engaged Imbali under the theme “Eswatini Sivikela Umliba Sinika Imfundvo,” focusing on the protection of young girls, the importance of education and social issues affecting young people.
The engagement brought social awareness into the cultural gathering, giving Imbali an opportunity to receive guidance on issues that can influence their lives, choices and future.
Khulisa Umntfwana’s focus on protecting young girls and promoting education adds an important dimension to the Umhlanga Second Leg, showing how cultural platforms can also be used to empower young people.
The message encourages society to support and protect young girls while ensuring that education remains an important part of their development.
The Umhlanga Second Leg is being held at Mbangweni from September 11 to 13, 2026, bringing Imbali together for a cultural experience centred on heritage, unity and participation.
Among the young participants experiencing the ceremony for the first time is Andzile Dlamini from Ngculwini, who is attending alongside fellow Imbali from the Scouts Association.
Dlamini said the opportunity to participate in the Umhlanga Second Leg was deeply meaningful to her.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend this year’s Umhlanga. It is an honour for me to represent my community and the Scouts Association,” said Dlamini.
For the first-time participant, the experience has provided an opportunity to witness the unity created when thousands of young emaSwati come together through a shared cultural tradition.
“Being here with fellow Imbali has allowed me to experience the unity and discipline of Umhlanga firsthand,” she said.
Dlamini said participating in the ceremony had also given her a deeper appreciation of Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
“Experiencing the rich tradition of the Reed Dance firsthand has been a special experience for me, and I am grateful to be part of it,” she said.
Her participation alongside Imbali from the Scouts Association highlights the different community groups represented during the Umhlanga Second Leg and the sense of pride young participants derive from representing where they come from.
For Dlamini, being part of the gathering is therefore more than simply attending a major cultural event. It is an opportunity to participate in a tradition, connect with fellow young people and represent her community.
Her experience also complements the message of the Khulisa Umntfwana campaign, which places young girls at the centre of discussions around protection, education and their future.
Education remains a key part of the campaign’s message because it can equip young girls with knowledge and opportunities to make informed decisions and pursue their aspirations.
At the same time, protecting young girls requires families, communities and society to provide supportive environments in which they can grow and develop.
The theme “Eswatini Sivikela Umliba Sinika Imfundvo” therefore carries a message extending beyond the three-day cultural gathering.
It highlights the importance of protecting young girls while giving them the education and guidance necessary to navigate challenges and build better futures.
The second day of the Umhlanga Second Leg provided an important platform for this message to reach Imbali, linking cultural participation with social awareness.
As the ceremony moves towards its Main Day on Sunday, September 13, Imbali continue to celebrate their heritage while receiving messages aimed at strengthening their development.
Through Khulisa Umntfwana, the Umhlanga Second Leg becomes not only a celebration of culture but also an opportunity to remind society of its responsibility towards young girls.
For first-time participants such as Dlamini, the experience brings together culture, unity, discipline and community pride.
Ultimately, the message from Mbangweni is one of investment in the next generation: protect young girls, value their education and empower them to build a stronger future.
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