BY MBONO MDLULI
HLANE – The second leg of the Buganu ceremony has lived up to expectations, as it has attracted tens of thousands of people to be part of the traditional event.
The event started in the afternoon of March 7, 2025, where Lutsango had to undergo the Kwetfula custom before Her Majesty the Indlovukazi. On the following day, the place had been a hive of activity. Business people had set up their stall, wanting to take advantage of the potential to make money.
The police had a tough time controlling traffic and people on the road. Motorists also had a challenge because they had to be patient while driving. People were frequently on the road, meaning the drivers had to be super slow on the road, driving at a speed of 40 km/h at most.
Members of the Lutsango regiment arrived on the dancing arena in the afternoon at about 3pm. At about 4pm, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi arrived, much to the excitement of the crowds in attendance.
At about 4:30pm, the crowds were in jubilation again, as His Majesty King Mswati III arrived. That marked the start of the event. Members of the Lutsango were allowed to dance before Their Majesties, clad in their uniform traditional regalia.
They danced in groups of their places of work or the chiefdoms they came from. After dancing before Their Majesties, they also danced to many different songs, including the traditional song titled ‘Njiloni,’ which has become sort of a traditional anthem. Everyone was urged to take part in dancing to that song, including tourists.
The Lutsango later engaged in Kutsamba, which also lasted way into the night, at about 10:30pm. That was when the festivities ended for the Saturday. Their Majesties left after enjoying themselves with members of the public.
Members of Lutsango were told that Umkhandlu would be held on March 9, 2025, while Lutsango would be given a gift of bulls on Monday, the Lutsango Day, which was declared as a national holiday by the king.
While the festivities were ongoing, activities also took place outside the arena. Most of the companies plying their trade within Eswatini had pitched their gazebos and were marketing their products. At the same time, attendants also played sounds of hit songs from their different vehicles. Tracks of yesteryears were also heard, while they enjoyed roasted meet, together with drinks they mostly bought from small businesses which were selling at the area.
Some of the mini parties held by the attendants outside the arena lasted way into the wee hours of March 9, 2025.
