BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LUDZIDZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has blessed thousands of iMbali (maidens) gathered at Ludzidzini Royal Residence for the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance.
His Majesty expressied delight at the large turnout and wished them a safe journey as they prepare to cut reeds for one of Eswatini’s most important cultural ceremonies.
The King said this when addressing the media as he returned from his recent international engagements, saying he was pleased to find young women from different parts of the country gathered in large numbers for Umhlanga. He said their presence reflected the strength and enduring appeal of the country’s culture.
His Majesty said the next stage of the ceremony would see the imbali travel to designated areas to cut reeds, which will later be used to build and repair the emaguma (reed windbreaks or protective reed enclosures) at the royal residence.
Explaining the cultural significance of the emaguma, His Majesty said they are an important part of Emaswati life and are found even at kagogo (the grandmother’s home or homestead). He said the practice was therefore deeply rooted in the country’s way of life and cultural identity.
The King said it was particularly pleasing to see imbali from different communities across the country coming together for the ceremony. Umhlanga brings together thousands of young women from across Eswatini and, increasingly, participants and visitors from beyond the country’s borders in a celebration of cultural heritage, unity and national identity.
His Majesty noted that people from outside Eswatini were also now participating in and witnessing the ceremony, underscoring Umhlanga’s growing international appeal.
The 2026 Umhlanga programme officially includes the arrival and registration of the imbali, followed by reed cutting, the return with the reeds, a rest day, the presentation of the reeds and the main dancing ceremony.
The King wished the imbali a safe journey as they undertake the reed-cutting activity and prayed for their protection throughout the ceremony until the conclusion of the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance.
He further noted that the country was experiencing a busy period, with the annual cultural ceremony taking place alongside the Eswatini International Trade Fair.
His Majesty’s blessing comes as thousands of maidens embark on the next phase of Umhlanga, carrying forward a tradition that remains a powerful expression of service, unity and cultural pride among Emaswati.
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