– Young maidens move to Emasundvwini as senior Imbali head to Mphisi Farm
BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
UMHLANGA DAY 2 – The colourful journey of thousands of maidens participating in the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance has entered another important stage after His Majesty King Mswati III commissioned them to proceed to their respective destinations.
In a notable change to the traditional arrangements, the younger maidens have been directed to proceed to Emasundvwini, instead of Bhamsakhe where they have traditionally been accommodated during this stage of the annual ceremony.
Senior maidens, meanwhile, have been commissioned to proceed to Mphisi Farm as preparations intensify for the next phases of one of Eswatini’s most celebrated cultural events.
The announcement adds another chapter to an already vibrant Umhlanga week, with thousands of young women from communities across the Kingdom coming together in song, dance and unity.
For many of the maidens, the journey is much more than travelling from one royal destination to another. It represents participation in a tradition passed down through generations, bringing young women together to celebrate identity, discipline, respect and national pride.
The different destinations for the younger and senior maidens also form part of the organisation of the large numbers participating in the ceremony, ensuring that the various groups are accommodated and guided as they move through the traditional programme.
Throughout the week, senior traditional leaders and members of the royal household continue to guide the maidens as they undertake the different stages leading towards the main Umhlanga celebrations.
The commissioning by His Majesty signals that preparations are steadily progressing and that the maidens are now moving closer to one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the ceremony — the cutting and delivery of reeds before the grand celebration at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Scenes of singing maidens travelling in groups have once again brought colour and excitement to different parts of the country, with communities along their routes witnessing first-hand the energy surrounding the annual cultural gathering.
Umhlanga remains one of Eswatini’s most prominent cultural events and continues to attract national and international attention because of its scale, colourful traditional attire and strong emphasis on preserving Swazi culture.
Beyond the spectacle, the ceremony provides young women with an opportunity to participate directly in the preservation of customs that have defined the Kingdom for generations.
As the young maidens settle at Emasundvwini and their senior counterparts proceed to Mphisi Farm, anticipation continues to build ahead of the remaining stages of Umhlanga 2026.
For thousands of Imbali, every step of the journey carries a deeper meaning — celebrating their culture, strengthening bonds of sisterhood and proudly becoming part of a tradition that continues to unite generations of Emaswati.
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