BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBANGWENI – One thing remains unchanged about Umhlanga: it is more than a ceremony. It is a living expression of Eswatini’s culture, identity and unity. This spirit came alive on Sunday as thousands of Imbali gathered at Mbangweni Royal Residence for a vibrant Main Day that brought the 2026 Umhlanga Second Leg to a memorable close.
The Main Day on September 13, 2026, brought together thousands of maidens, members of the Royal Family and Libutfo in an arena filled with traditional dances, energetic kugiya and moments of royal participation before Their Majesties.
For the Imbali, who had spent days taking part in the cultural programme, the Main Day provided an opportunity to celebrate their journey through song, dance and tradition.
The arena came alive as thousands of Imbali performed before Their Majesties, showcasing the discipline, energy and cultural pride associated with Umhlanga.
Among the performances was a spirited kugiya by maidens from the Ngabezweni regiment, whose energetic display captivated the crowd and added to the excitement of the celebrations.
The Royal Family also became part of the celebration, with members joining Imbali in the arena.
Her Royal Highness Princess Buhlebetive performed kugiya as EmaZinyane joined her, drawing spirited cheers from those gathered.
Liphovela LaZuma also joined Imbali for an energetic kugiya, while Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe showcased a graceful kugiya performance in the main arena.
However, one of the most significant moments came when His Majesty King Mswati III performed Kudlalisela in honour of the thousands of Imbali.
Escorted by Libutfo, His Majesty entered the main arena and performed Kudlalisela, applauding and encouraging the maidens as they celebrated the conclusion of the Second Leg.
The moment brought the monarch directly into the arena alongside Imbali, creating a powerful image of royal participation at the heart of the national cultural celebration.
For the maidens, the occasion was not simply about performance. It was a moment of belonging, participation and connection to traditions passed from one generation to another.
As the celebrations drew towards their conclusion, the focus shifted from the excitement of the arena to the journey awaiting the Imbali back in their communities.
His Majesty wished the thousands of Imbali a safe return to their different communities, with the message delivered through Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe “Vivane” Hlatjwako.
His Majesty also presented the maidens with food parcels to take home, offering a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and participation throughout the ceremony.
The gesture added a human touch to the conclusion of the Second Leg, as the Imbali prepared to leave Mbangweni after days of cultural participation.
The Second Leg had brought together Imbali from different communities, with Mbangweni becoming a meeting point for tradition, royal participation and national cultural expression.
From the performances of the regiments to the participation of members of the Royal Family, the Main Day demonstrated that Umhlanga continues to be carried by the people who participate in it.
At the centre of that experience were the Imbali themselves.
Their songs, dances and presence transformed the arena into a living expression of Eswatini’s heritage, while the participation of Their Majesties gave the closing celebrations a distinctly royal character.
As the maidens prepared to return home, the sounds of celebration gradually gave way to the final moments of the gathering.
Yet what remained was bigger than the final dance.
It was the reminder that culture survives when it is practised, shared and passed on.
For the thousands of Imbali who stood in the Mbangweni arena on Sunday, Umhlanga was not merely something they watched. It was something they lived — and something they will carry back to their communities.
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