By Mbongeni Ndlela
HLANE — In a powerful and visionary address during the third day of the second session of the Buganu (Marula) Ceremony at Hlane Royal Residence, His Majesty King Mswati III announced plans to expand the festival arena to accommodate the ever-growing number of attendees.
The King’s words echoed with a resounding celebration of culture, womanhood, and national unity, marking a historic moment for the Kingdom of Eswatini.
A Vision for Growth and Unity Speaking to thousands of Lutsango regiment members who had gathered in their radiant traditional attire, the King emphasized the importance of expanding the Hlane Royal Residence arena. The ongoing project, he stated, will ensure that the Lutsango can perform their vibrant dances freely, enriching the cultural tapestry of the nation.
“Fortunately, this is still an ongoing project, so we have the opportunity to expand the arena so that Lutsango can dance freely. It is a good thing to practice and promote culture as we can all attest that this has become a festival that draws people from all over, which uplifts our economy,” declared His Majesty, his voice resonating with optimism.
The Buganu Ceremony, an annual celebration of the marula harvest, has evolved into a significant cultural and economic event, drawing thousands of participants and visitors from across Eswatini and beyond. With the expansion of the arena, the festival is set to reach even greater heights, further promoting Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage.
Empowering Women: A Historic Lutsango Holiday
In a groundbreaking announcement that sent waves of jubilation across the festival grounds, His Majesty declared today as the first-ever Lutsango holiday, a national day to honor the invaluable contributions of women in Eswatini. Remarkably, this historic holiday coincides with International Women’s Day, symbolizing a powerful recognition of the role of women in society.
“This holiday is in recognition of the role played by Lutsango in the country as it is often said that women should never have to be looked down upon and their role in the community should be recognised,” His Majesty proclaimed, his words met with thunderous applause and ululations from the Lutsango.
The King’s declaration underscores the nation’s commitment to celebrating and empowering women, acknowledging their pivotal roles in community development, cultural preservation, and economic growth. In a world where few countries recognize the need to honor women with a holiday, Eswatini stands proudly at the forefront, setting an inspiring example for the continent and beyond.
The Dignity of Tradition Amidst the celebrations, His Majesty praised the Lutsango regiment for their unwavering respect and discipline, which he described as a beacon of hope for the girl child in Eswatini.
“But what’s even more beautiful is the level of respect you always demonstrate. This gives us assurance that the girl child is in good hands, as they are learning from the best in terms of respect and taking care of themselves,” he said, highlighting the festival’s role in passing down values of dignity, respect, and cultural pride to future generations.
Marula: The Golden Fruit of Eswatini
Adding to the festival’s highlights, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi spoke passionately about the economic potential of the marula fruit. Urging the nation to preserve marula trees, Her Majesty emphasized how marula-based products—ranging from oils to beverages—serve as vital income sources for many families.
The marula fruit, often referred to as Eswatini’s golden fruit, not only strengthens the nation’s economy but also embodies the spirit of sustainability and community empowerment.
A Festival of Culture and Prosperity As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Hlane Royal Residence, the pulsating rhythms of traditional drums and the harmonious songs of the Lutsango filled the air, embodying a nation united in its cultural pride and forward-looking vision. The expansion of the buganu arena and the declaration of the Lutsango holiday stand as a testament to His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to preserving Eswatini’s heritage while embracing growth and development.
The Buganu Ceremony continues to be a cornerstone of Eswatini’s cultural identity, bringing communities together and attracting visitors from far and wide. With His Majesty’s vision for an expanded arena and enhanced recognition of women’s contributions, the future of the festival—and the nation—shines brighter than ever.
Eswatini Positive News celebrates this historic moment, capturing the essence of unity, respect, and progress that defines the Kingdom of Eswatini. As the drums beat into the night, one thing is clear—the spirit of Buganu is stronger than ever, echoing a message of hope, empowerment, and cultural pride for generations to come.