BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– The countdown to Umhlanga 2026 is gathering pace as pageant queens under the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) join the Imbali in their final rehearsals, adding excitement to preparations for one of the country’s biggest cultural celebrations.
With just eight days remaining before the main ceremony, the pageant titleholders have joined the Imbali in rehearsing traditional songs and dance routines as they prepare for the much-anticipated annual event.
In an interview with Eswatini Positive News on August 17, 2026, reigning Miss Cultural Heritage 2026 Yoliswa Manana revealed that the Imbali are entering their final week of preparations with excitement and confidence.
“This is our last week of preparations and we are very excited and ready for Umhlanga. We are inviting everyone to come and witness and support us as we celebrate our culture,” said Manana.
Manana said the upcoming ceremony will be particularly meaningful for her as she prepares to attend Umhlanga for the 11th time. She began participating in the annual cultural event while she was in Grade 6.
Her 11-year journey has given her an opportunity to grow in confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for Eswatini’s traditions and cultural heritage.
As Miss Cultural Heritage 2026, Manana is also using her platform to encourage young EmaSwati to embrace their culture and take pride in traditions that continue to unite communities across the Kingdom.
The participation of ENCAC pageant queens alongside the Imbali highlights the important role young women play in preserving and promoting Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
The joint rehearsals provide an opportunity for the young women to strengthen their performances while celebrating traditions passed down from one generation to another.
Umhlanga 2026 will run from August 25 to August 31, with maidens arriving at Ludzidzini Royal Residence for registration on August 25 and the main ceremony scheduled for August 31.
The annual celebration brings together maidens from across Eswatini for a week of cultural activities, traditional songs and dance, culminating in the main ceremony.
As the final days approach, preparations are intensifying, with the Imbali and cultural ambassadors putting the finishing touches to their performances.
The involvement of the ENCAC pageant queens further demonstrates how young EmaSwati can contribute to keeping Eswatini’s cultural heritage alive while inspiring others to value and celebrate their traditions.
With only days left before Umhlanga 2026 officially begins, excitement is building as the Imbali prepare to showcase the beauty, richness and unity of Eswatini’s culture.
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