BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBANGWENI – The continued support for Eswatini’s culture has been demonstrated through more than E2.3 million in Tetfulo presented to His Majesty King Mswati III during the Umhlanga Second Leg at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
The significant contribution was presented during the second day of the Umhlanga Second Leg on September 12, 2026, as Imbali gathered at Mbangweni for the continuation of the annual Reed Dance, which runs from September 11 to 13, 2026.
The latest presentation follows more than E28 million in Tetfulo received by His Majesty during the first leg of Umhlanga 2026 at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Combined, the reported contributions from the two legs now exceed E30.3 million, demonstrating the substantial level of support accompanying this year’s national cultural celebrations.
Tetfulo is an established tradition associated with important cultural occasions, allowing individuals and organisations to demonstrate their support for Their Majesties and the country’s cultural heritage.
The contribution at Mbangweni therefore represents more than a financial figure. It reflects continued participation in and support for a cultural institution that brings emaSwati together around the preservation of national traditions.
The second day also provided an opportunity for companies, organisations and other contributors to personally present their various forms of support to His Majesty.
Each contributor was given an opportunity to present its contribution after Imbali had completed Kucitsa Umhlanga, marking an important part of the second day’s programme.
The presentations included different forms of assistance aimed at supporting the cultural gathering and the wellbeing of Imbali.
Among the contributors was the National Maize Corporation (NMC), which provided more than E28 000.
The National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) also contributed sanitary pads and constructed a new ablution facility at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
The facility, valued at E1.3 million, consists of 10 toilets and 10 showers and is currently being used by Imbali attending the Umhlanga Second Leg.
The infrastructure provides improved sanitation facilities for the maidens while also leaving a lasting investment at the Royal Residence.
Food support was also among the contributions presented during the gathering. EUDF provided 70 boxes of bananas and cabbages, while the Ministry of Home Affairs provided rice and biscuits.
Cattle were also among the contributions made in support of the Umhlanga Second Leg, adding a traditional and practical dimension to the assistance extended to the cultural gathering.
The opportunity for contributors to present their support directly to His Majesty after Kucitsa Umhlanga gave the second day an additional dimension, bringing together cultural participation and stakeholder support.
The contributions demonstrate that support for Umhlanga is not limited to financial Tetfulo. It also includes food, livestock, hygiene supplies and infrastructure aimed at improving the experience of Imbali.
For the maidens gathered at Mbangweni, the practical support helps provide essential resources during their participation in the annual cultural event.
The E1.3 million ablution facility, in particular, strengthens the infrastructure available at Mbangweni and provides facilities that can continue serving the Royal Residence beyond the current Umhlanga.
The range of contributions also highlights the involvement of different sectors in supporting Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
The Umhlanga Second Leg will culminate in the Main Day celebrations on Sunday, September 13, bringing the three-day programme to a close.
As the second leg continues, the Tetfulo and other contributions presented at Mbangweni demonstrate a shared commitment to supporting culture and the young maidens who participate in preserving it.
The more than E2.3 million in Tetfulo, together with the various material and practical contributions, reflects the continued support surrounding Umhlanga 2026 and the importance attached to Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
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