BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MPISI FARM – From cutting reeds to building sustainable businesses, Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe has challenged the Imbali to turn the energy, creativity and determination they display at Umhlanga into enterprises that solve real problems, fill market gaps and create lasting opportunities.
Speaking during the Day Three reed-cutting exercise at Mpisi Farm, Sidzidzini, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Princess Sakhizwe praised the Imbali for the excitement, unity and commitment they have demonstrated during Umhlanga 2026, urging them to carry that same spirit into entrepreneurship.
“The Imbali have shown so much excitement, energy and enthusiasm throughout Umhlanga, and I encourage them to take that same energy into entrepreneurship and build sustainable businesses,” HRH Princess Sakhizwe said.
She challenged the young women to look at challenges in their communities differently, encouraging them to identify problems and turn them into opportunities for enterprise.
“They should identify problems and find ways of filling those gaps. When you see a need, think about how you can provide a solution and turn that solution into a sustainable business,” she said.
Princess Sakhizwe further urged the Imbali to embrace the spirit of Made in Eswatini, encouraging them to develop locally relevant products and services that respond to the needs of EmaSwati.
“We need to have the spirit of Made in Eswatini. Identify the gaps around you and fill them. Build businesses that can create opportunities and contribute to the growth of our country,” she said.
Her message came as thousands of Imbali gathered at Mpisi Farm for the annual reed-cutting exercise, one of the defining moments of Umhlanga.
The fields were filled with traditional songs, rhythmic clapping and youthful excitement as the Imbali, dressed in their traditional attire, prepared to fulfil their cultural responsibility.
The exercise itself demonstrated qualities that can serve the young women well in business — discipline, teamwork, resilience, commitment and determination.
Leading and supporting the Imbali during the reed-cutting exercise were Liphovela LaZuma, Emazinyane and Indvuna yeMbali Bongiwe “Vivane” Hlatjwako.
The young women moved into the fields with purpose, cutting, gathering and bundling reeds as songs echoed across Mpisi Farm.
Princess Sakhizwe’s message was that the energy displayed in the fields should not end when the cultural ceremony does.
She encouraged the Imbali to return to their communities with an entrepreneurial mindset — identifying what people need, recognising what is missing and developing solutions that can grow into sustainable businesses.
Such businesses can provide more than income for their owners. They can create employment, support local supply chains and contribute to economic development.
This is where the Made in Eswatini spirit becomes important — encouraging young EmaSwati to use local talent, creativity and resources to develop solutions for local challenges.
After completing the reed-cutting exercise, the Imbali returned to the campsite proudly carrying their reeds, accompanied by singing, dancing and celebration.
The moment provided a powerful connection between culture and economic empowerment.
The Imbali were carrying forward a tradition inherited from generations before them, while simultaneously being challenged to build a future shaped by innovation, enterprise and opportunity.
The reeds may represent Eswatini’s heritage, but the hands carrying them also belong to a generation capable of building sustainable businesses and creating the opportunities of tomorrow.
As Umhlanga 2026 continues, Princess Sakhizwe’s message to the Imbali is clear: identify the problem, fill the gap, build sustainably and let the spirit of Made in Eswatini drive the future.
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