BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI — His Majesty King Mswati III has hailed the energy, enthusiasm and love displayed by thousands of Imbali during Umhlanga 2026, describing culture as a defining pillar of Eswatini’s nationhood as the annual Reed Dance reaches Day Five.
His Majesty was speaking on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during the official opening of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini.
Welcoming exhibitors and visitors to the national trade showcase, His Majesty highlighted the significance of the country’s cultural calendar, noting that Umhlanga was being celebrated alongside the EITF and other major national and tourism attractions.
“Culture remains at the very epitome of our nationhood as we celebrate our heritage Umhlanga – the Reed Dance, alongside this grand showcase of enterprise and Eswatini Rally, amongst other tourism attractions,” His Majesty said.
The King’s remarks come as thousands of Imbali have completed one of the most demanding and visually striking stages of Umhlanga — the harvesting and transportation of the reeds.
On Day Three, August 27, the Imbali were separated by age group and deployed to designated royal harvesting sites.
The older Imbali, aged 16 and above, gathered at Mpisi Farm in Mafutseni, where the reed-cutting exercise was officially opened by Inkhosatana Princess Sakhizwe, Liphovela LaZuma and Princess Ezwe, followed by Indvuna yeMbali Bongiwe “Vivane” Hlatjwako.
The older maidens harvested the thickest and strongest reeds, selecting reeds with intact tassels, known as tishakato, which carry traditional significance as a symbol of purity.
At Masundvwini, younger Imbali aged 10 to 15 also took part in the cutting exercise under supervision, giving them an opportunity to actively participate in harvesting their own bundles.
Peer educators were present during the exercise, providing youth guidance and health-awareness support as the young maidens carried out their cultural responsibility.
The atmosphere across the harvesting sites was characterised by traditional songs, rhythmic clapping, dancing and remarkable enthusiasm, with thousands of Imbali demonstrating the energy and unity that His Majesty recognised in his EITF address.
Day Four marked the beginning of the return journey.
Thousands of older Imbali departed Mpisi Farm carrying their heavy bundles of reeds, while the younger regiment concluded its active cutting phase at Masundvwini, packed up its campsite and joined the wider regiments on the journey towards the royal residences.
The return journey once again brought the cultural spirit of Umhlanga to the fore, with the Imbali proudly carrying their harvested reeds while singing and celebrating together.
For the Imbali, the journey has been about more than harvesting reeds. It has been an opportunity to participate directly in a cultural tradition that connects generations and reinforces values of unity, discipline, respect and pride in Eswatini’s heritage.
His Majesty’s recognition of Umhlanga came within an address that also underscored the importance of enterprise and sustainable development.
The EITF 2026 is being held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” with a focus on sustainable sourcing, clean technologies, environmentally responsible production, innovation and economic resilience.
The connection between Umhlanga and the EITF presents a striking picture of Eswatini’s identity — a Kingdom celebrating its cultural heritage while simultaneously creating platforms for enterprise, innovation and economic opportunity.
As Umhlanga enters Day Five, the energy of the Imbali remains one of the defining features of the 2026 ceremony.
From the reed fields of Mpisi Farm and Masundvwini to their return journey, thousands of young EmaSwati have demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to culture.
Their songs have echoed across the Kingdom, their reeds have been proudly carried and their participation has once again shown that Eswatini’s cultural heritage remains vibrant in the hands of its younger generation.
With the ceremony continuing, the message from the nation’s highest traditional authority resonates clearly: culture remains at the heart of Eswatini’s identity, and the energy and love shown by the Imbali continue to give Umhlanga its enduring spirit.
#Umhlanga2026 #HisMajesty #Imbali #ReedDance #EITF2026 #MavusoTradeAndExhibitionCentre #EswatiniCulture #CulturalHeritage #KuhlabaUmhlanga #ImbaliPride #Eswatini
