BY MBONO MDLULI
HLANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has reminded the nation that the Butimba ceremony is more than just a hunting tradition, it is a cultural practice rooted in environmental care and preservation.
Speaking during a dinner at Hlane Royal Residence on Sunday, His Majesty emphasized that misconceptions have overshadowed the true purpose of the event. Attendees included visiting Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams of Ghana and Bishop Robert Kasaro of Jesus Calls Worship Centre.
“It is clear that we have to clarify the meaning of Butimba because many now think it is all about hunting,” His Majesty explained.
He noted that the ceremony’s core is the burning of dry winter vegetation to prepare the land for summer, ensuring fresh growth and restoring ecological balance.
Controlled Hunting with Responsibility
While hunting does occur during the ceremony, the King clarified it plays a secondary role. Animals fleeing the cleared areas may be hunted, especially older ones unlikely to survive long, but this is done carefully and responsibly.
The King further highlighted the importance of gender balance in hunting, discouraging practices that target one sex more than the other. He also called for the protection of endangered species, urging environmental authorities to compile updated lists to safeguard vulnerable wildlife, including the Big Five.
The King praised the Libutfo regiments for respecting his directives and helping preserve Eswatini’s biodiversity.
Spiritual Encouragement
The ceremony also carried a spiritual dimension. The Libutfo regiments filled the evening with gospel songs before Archbishop Williams delivered a sermon of encouragement. Bishop Kasaro led prayers, after which the Archbishop declared he had been “sent by the Heavens” to inspire Eswatini to remain steadfast in its unique cultural path.
Williams praised Eswatini’s governance system, describing it as a model of democracy well-suited for Africa, contrasting it with systems elsewhere that, he said, have divided and impoverished the continent despite its natural wealth.
Preserving Culture, Protecting Nature
His Majesty’s remarks reinforced the importance of blending cultural traditions with modern environmental stewardship. Butimba, he affirmed, stands not just as a proud heritage practice but also as an ecological safeguard for future generations.
