BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LUDZIDZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has commissioned Lutsango to participate in the second leg of the Buganu Ceremony at Hlane Royal Residence, following the successful first leg at Buhleni Royal Residence.
The announcement was conveyed on March 4,2026 at Ludzidzini Royal Residence through Indvuna Phindile Matsebula, confirming that Lutsango from the Lubombo Region will present Buganu and tetfulo to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Festivities continue on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with the regiment performing cultural dances before Their Majesties, before dispersing on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
While the Minister of Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe, has urged strict adherence to attire, stating that Lutsango will be adorned in orange (lihiya) on Saturday and red (lihiya) on Sunday, in line with royal tradition.
During the Buganu celebrations, Lutsango also plays a critical educational role, engaging communities on health awareness and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to social development alongside cultural preservation.
The Buganu Ceremony, also known as the Marula Festival, is a major annual royal event in the Kingdom of Eswatini, celebrating the harvest of the marula fruit and the brewing of Buganu.
Central to the ceremony is Lutsango, the women’s regiment tasked with gathering the marula, preparing the brew, and presenting it to the Royal Family, symbolising unity, respect for the monarchy, and the pivotal role of women in preserving tradition.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival plays a key role in Eswatini’s tourism sector and boosts local businesses, increasing demand for crafts, accommodation, transport, and other services. Local communities actively participate through song, dance, and craftwork, fostering cultural pride and economic empowerment while creating meaningful engagement between visitors and residents.
As preparations intensify at Hlane Royal Residence, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to preserving tradition, empowering communities, and showcasing Eswatini as a unique cultural tourism destination.
