BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has commissioned Shiselweni Libutfo at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
This was on June 8, 2026 through an announcement that has been running aired on national radio, the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service (EBIS).
According to an instruction issued by the King, through Indvuna, Libutfo from the Shiselweni region is supposed to converge at Mbangweni Royal Residence today, June 8, 2026. The regiment will get further instructions the next day, June 9, 2026 according to the radio announcement.
The commissioned Libutfo include regiments from the Inyatsi regiment, Umgadlela regiment, Inkhanyeti regiment and Bokhololo regiment.
The commissioning of the Libutfo occurs at specific intervals throughout the year, primarily linked to these major events:
• The Incwala Ceremony (December – January): Early in the year, the King officially commissions the Ingaja (young male regiments) and Libutfo from various regions, such as Hhohho, to march and cut the sacred Lusekwane shrub. Over 80,000 warriors answered the royal call for this sacred duty.
• Weeding and Harvesting Royal Fields (January & May/June): Following the burning of the sacred log during Incwala, the King commissions the regiments to weed the royal fields (such as eChinini in Sitjeni or Echibini). Once tasks are finished, they are officially dispersed with a royal feast and tokens of appreciation.
• Butimba Grand Hunting Expedition (August): The King commissions the Libutfo for the traditional hunt. For instance, during the Butimba ceremony, the regiments were commissioned to the Mbuluzi and Mlawula Game Reserves to execute conservation practices like controlled “burn blocks”.
• The Buganu Festival (February – March): The King commissions the Lutsango (the women’s regiments) to gather at royal residences like Buhleni for the annual celebration of the marula harvest.
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