BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MOZAMBIQUE – In the heart of Maputo, where history whispers through the palms and pride dances in the wind, Day 3 of the royal umtsimba unfolded like poetry written in footsteps and song.
HRH Princess Sibahle, adorned not only in regal attire but in the weight of tradition and legacy, led her family into a ceremony that gracefully married culture with diplomacy.
What followed was more than a customary rite, it was a cross-generational love letter to Mozambique, its leaders past and present, and a tribute to African unity crafted with gifts, gestures, and deeply rooted rituals.
In keeping with Eswatini’s cherished traditions, the bride’s family initiated the umhlambiso, a sacred gifting ceremony symbolizing respect, goodwill, and family ties. Among the gifts were two beautifully crafted chairs, symbolic thrones of honour, presented to the President of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo. Though the President was not physically present, the dignified gesture was received with warmth and gratitude by his appointed representative.
The ceremony blossomed into a tribute that transcended political timelines. HRH Princess Sibahle extended heartfelt honours to former Presidents Armando Guebuza, Joaquim Chissano, and Filipe Nyusi, as well as the family of the late President Samora Machel. Each gift served as a bridge between Eswatini and Mozambique, between tradition and statecraft, a reminder that leadership, like heritage, deserves recognition across generations.
One of the most emotionally resonant moments came when Princess Sibahle performed the oath of commitment and the kugana ritual, a time-honoured act signifying her dedication to her new family. In an age-old gesture of solemnity and strength, she ‘planted’ two spears inside the cattle byre, symbolising her readiness to take on her marital responsibilities with pride and dignity.
Adding a joyful rhythm to the ceremony, the newlywed groom, Yassin Monteiro Nunes, was seen playfully carrying HRH Princess Sibahle on his back. The moment, light-hearted and filled with laughter, reminded all present that tradition need not be rigid, it can be full of love, humour, and humanity.
The day culminated In a quiet, poignant scene: the bride and groom sitting together on the matrimonial bed, one of the key symbolic gifts of the umhlambiso. More than just furniture, it represented unity, comfort, and the beginning of a shared life, a tender milestone in a journey steeped in cultural elegance.
As day turned to dusk, the essence of Day 3 of umtsimba lingered in the air, a celebration where Eswatini’s royal grace met Mozambique’s enduring legacy, and where every act, every smile, and every gift carried the weight of love, tradition, and pan-African solidarity.
(Courtesy Pics)
