BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBANGWENI– Anticipation is building across the Shiselweni Region as the Umhlanga Second Leg draws closer, with Imbali set to converge at Mbangweni Royal Residence for three days of culture, tradition and celebration.
Following the successful first leg of Umhlanga 2026 at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, the cultural spotlight is now shifting to Shiselweni, where the second leg will take place from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 13, 2026.
His Majesty King Mswati III has summoned Imbali to gather at Mbangweni Royal Residence for the three-day ceremony, with the announcement made through Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatjwako. The gathering is expected to bring together participating Imbali, families and traditional authorities as another important chapter of Umhlanga 2026 unfolds.
The programme will begin on Friday, September 11, when Imbali are expected to arrive at Mbangweni Royal Residence carrying their reeds for registration. The arrival will mark the start of three days centred on participation in one of Eswatini’s most significant cultural ceremonies.
On Saturday, September 12, the Imbali will present their reeds before Their Majesties before proceeding to the cultural stadium as the programme continues.
The Umhlanga Second Leg will reach its climax on Sunday, September 13, when the Imbali, dressed in full traditional attire, take centre stage during the Main Day celebrations.
SHISELWENI TAKES CENTRE STAGE
The move from Ludzidzini to Mbangweni will place the Shiselweni Region at the heart of Umhlanga 2026 as the region prepares to host the Umhlanga Second Leg.
For participating Imbali, the ceremony provides an opportunity to take part directly in a tradition carried from one generation to another. Beyond the colourful traditional attire, singing and celebration, Umhlanga remains an important expression of Eswatini’s cultural identity, bringing young people and communities together around a shared heritage.
The gathering also highlights the collective nature of the ceremony. While Imbali remain at the centre of Umhlanga, their participation is supported by families, traditional authorities and communities, demonstrating the role that different generations play in preserving and carrying culture forward.
As preparations continue, participating communities are expected to make the necessary arrangements for their Imbali ahead of the journey to Mbangweni.
THREE DAYS OF CULTURAL PRIDE
The Umhlanga Second Leg will unfold over three days, with each stage forming part of the broader cultural journey.
The arrival and registration of Imbali on Friday will set the ceremony in motion, followed by Saturday’s reed presentation and cultural activities. The Main Day on Sunday will bring the three-day programme to its climax, creating another major moment of cultural celebration for the Shiselweni Region.
For communities, the gathering provides an opportunity to come together and celebrate a tradition that continues to hold a special place in the lives of emaSwati.
It also allows young participants to experience culture through participation, as traditions passed down through generations are brought to life through the songs, movement, ceremony and collective spirit of Umhlanga.
MBANGWENI PREPARES FOR CULTURAL CELEBRATION
As the countdown to Friday begins, Mbangweni Royal Residence is preparing to become the centre of cultural activity in Shiselweni.
The arrival of Imbali and those attending the ceremony is expected to bring renewed activity to the area as communities gather for the different stages of the Umhlanga Second Leg.
Beyond the ceremony itself, gatherings of this nature create an atmosphere of shared participation, with families and communities coming together around a common cultural experience.
The Umhlanga Second Leg will also provide another opportunity to showcase Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage through one of the country’s most recognised traditional ceremonies.
ANTICIPATION BUILDS
With the first leg of Umhlanga 2026 now behind them, attention is firmly turning towards Mbangweni and the next chapter of the ceremony.
From the moment Imbali arrive carrying their reeds on Friday to the Main Day celebrations on Sunday, the Umhlanga Second Leg is expected to fill Mbangweni with the songs, traditional attire and cultural pride that have become synonymous with the annual ceremony.
For three days, Mbangweni Royal Residence will become more than a venue. It will become a meeting point for generations, communities and heritage.
The reeds will once again be carried, traditional songs will rise and Imbali will gather to participate in a tradition that continues to connect generations of emaSwati.
As the Umhlanga Second Leg heats up the Shiselweni Region, Mbangweni Royal Residence is set to host another vibrant chapter of Umhlanga 2026 — celebrating culture, strengthening unity and carrying a treasured heritage forward.
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(Courtesy Pic)
