BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MBANGWENI – The number of Imbali attending the second leg of Umhlanga at Shiselweni has grown this year, with thousands of young women gathered at Mbangweni Royal Residence for the second leg of the annual cultural ceremony.
The increase has been noticeable as Imbali from different parts of Eswatini arrived at Mbangweni to participate in the proceedings. The young women have come from different chiefdoms, adding to the number of participants taking part in this year’s ceremony.
Indvuna Hlangabeza said the number of Imbali had grown significantly compared with previous years, describing the increase as a positive development for the annual cultural event.
He said the growing participation showed that young women remained committed to taking part in Umhlanga and preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage. The second leg forms the second part of the annual Umhlanga ceremony and is being held at Mbangweni Royal Residence, where Imbali from different communities have gathered for the cultural proceedings.
The increased attendance has also provided an opportunity for young women from different areas to meet and participate in the same national cultural programme. For Hlangabeza, the growing number of Imbali is significant because young women have an important role in ensuring that cultural practices continue to be passed from one generation to another.
The presence of Imbali from various parts of the country also reflects the national reach of Umhlanga, which brings together participants from different communities during the annual ceremony.
The second leg at Mbangweni is continuing with Imbali participating in activities associated with the cultural event. The increase in attendance this year has placed particular attention on the number of young women participating in the Shiselweni leg, highlighting continued interest in Umhlanga among the younger generation.
As the ceremony continues at Mbangweni Royal Residence, the growing participation of Imbali remains one of the notable features of this year’s Shiselweni leg.
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