BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
LOBAMBA – A wave of electrifying anticipation has swept across the Ludzidzini Royal Residence as warriors, draped in pride and tradition, prepare for the much-anticipated Main Incwala Ceremony taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The announcement met with thunderous applause, was made by Indvuna Finyeza, who conveyed His Majesty King Mswati III’s sacred directives to the Ingatja at Engabezweni Royal Residence on Sunday. The day has officially been declared a public holiday, signalling the importance of this revered cultural celebration.
His Majesty commissioned thousands of Ingatja to gather the sacred lusekwane shrub, an essential element in the preparations for the inhlambelo ritual. In a directive that resonated with pride and purpose, the King reminded the warriors to select only the finest shrubs – “loludliwa tindlovu hhayi tinsaba,” meaning “those chosen by elephants, not the weak.”
True to tradition, the Ingatja delivered. Yesterday morning, they triumphantly returned to Ludzidzini Royal Residence with the finest lusekwane in hand. Their arrival sparked celebrations as His Majesty personally inspected the shrubs before they were ceremonially presented in the Ludzidzini cattle byre, marking a key milestone in the sacred journey toward tomorrow’s grand ceremony.
The energy among the warriors is infectious. Musa Dlamini, a warrior from Ntfonjeni, beamed with pride as he recounted carrying one of the finest lusekwane shrubs from Esikhaleni Selusekwane to Ludzidzini.
“I love my King and my culture. This moment means everything to me. Tomorrow, I will dance with all my heart at the Main Incwala,” Musa declared, his voice echoing with excitement.
Today, preparations intensify as the Ingatja venture out again to collect the red leaves, imbondvo, a critical ingredient in tomorrow’s rituals. Courage and tradition will converge in the ultimate test of bravery as the warriors demonstrate their valour by taking down a bull using time-honoured traditional methods.
Among the seasoned warriors is Jabulani Dlamini, a familiar face at the ceremony for 16 years. His excitement rivals that of a first-time participant.
“Every year feels like the first. My traditional regalia is ready, and I’m counting down the hours. The Main Incwala is a celebration that binds us to our roots and brings us together in pride,” said Jabulani, his face alight with anticipation.
With the final preparations underway, the atmosphere is electric, charged with cultural pride, unity, and unwavering excitement. The Main Incwala Ceremony, a cornerstone of Eswatini’s identity, is set to be a spectacular display of heritage, strength, and devotion to tradition.
Tomorrow, all roads lead to Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where warriors, regiments, and the nation will unite to celebrate Eswatini’s heartbeat – its culture and its King.
