BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NGABEZWENI – Excitement and jubilation swept through Ngabezweni on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as Imbali erupted in joy after receiving brand-new sneakers gifted by His Majesty King Mswati III following their Day Two march from Ludzidzini to Ngabezweni during Umhlanga 2026.
The royal gift came at the end of the Imbali’s march, turning their arrival at Ngabezweni into an emotional celebration as thousands of young women received the new footwear.
The sneakers, presented in a striking deep maroon or burgundy colour, feature clean white soles that provide a sharp contrast to the rich upper. Their knit or mesh construction is complemented by a textured quilted pattern, while the thick rubber soles are designed to offer comfort and flexibility.
Gold-toned detailing on the tongue and matching hangtags adds a distinctive finish to the sneakers, giving the footwear a stylish and premium appearance.
The royal gift was announced through Indvuna yeMbali Bongiwe “Vivane” Hlatjwako, with the news immediately sparking excitement among the Imbali after they completed the long march.
For the young women, the timing of the gift made the gesture particularly special, arriving after they had walked from Ludzidzini to Ngabezweni as part of the Day Two programme.
Among those celebrating was Nothando Shabangu from Ludzidzini, who is participating in the Umhlanga Reed Dance for the 13th time.
“I am very happy. This is my 13th Umhlanga, and receiving these sneakers from His Majesty makes this year even more special,” Shabangu said.
Mahle Jele, who is participating in Umhlanga for the third time, was equally delighted by the royal gesture.
“I am so excited to receive these sneakers. I really appreciate the gift, and I will always remember this Umhlanga,” Jele said.
The royal gesture also extended to Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe and Indvuna yeMbali Hlatjwako, who received their own pairs while joining thousands of Imbali for meals and celebrations at Ngabezweni.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the Imbali to unwind after the day’s march, sharing meals and celebrating together in a strong display of unity, sisterhood and cultural pride.
The royal gift has added a memorable chapter to Umhlanga 2026, which continues to draw thousands of young EmaSwati together to celebrate and uphold the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the excitement of receiving new footwear, the sneakers are also practical for the active programme of Umhlanga, giving the Imbali comfortable shoes to wear as they continue participating in the ceremony.
For many of the young women, however, the significance goes beyond the sneakers themselves. The gift has become one of the defining memories of their Umhlanga 2026 experience.
After completing the Ludzidzini-to-Ngabezweni march, the Imbali returned to camp expecting to continue with the programme — only to be met with a royal gesture that transformed the end of their day into a celebration.
As Umhlanga 2026 continues, the smiles and excitement at Ngabezweni remain a powerful reflection of the spirit surrounding this year’s Reed Dance.
#Umhlanga2026 #RoyalGift #HisMajesty #IndvunaYembali #BongiweHlatjwako #Imbali #Ngabezweni #Ludzidzini #EswatiniCulture #ReedDance2026
