BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MPISI FARM – As Umhlanga 2026 unfolds, motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution as thousands of Imbali maidens travel along roads around Mpisi Farm, Mafutseni and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the Mpisi Farm campsite on August 27, 2026, National Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Manoma Vusie Masango, praised the Imbali for the discipline, respect and dignity they have demonstrated since the beginning of the ceremony.
Masango said the maidens’ conduct had been commendable, reflecting the values and traditions at the heart of Eswatini’s annual cultural celebration.
“I commend the Imbali for the outstanding discipline and respect they have shown since the start of the ceremony. They have conducted themselves with high honour and have demonstrated the traditional values expected of them,” Masango said.
While applauding their conduct, Masango stressed that their safety must remain a priority, particularly as thousands of maidens move between campsites and reed-harvesting areas.
He called on motorists using the Mpisi Farm and Mafutseni roads to slow down, remain alert and exercise patience when encountering groups of maidens.
“Motorists travelling along the Mpisi Farm and Mafutseni roads are urged to exercise extreme caution, lower their speed and stay vigilant as thousands of maidens move across these areas,” he said.
The appeal was reinforced by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) Accident Prevention and Public Education Manager Dumisa Dlamini, who urged motorists to take responsibility for preventing accidents during the ceremony.
Dlamini called on drivers to eliminate distractions and remain focused, particularly along routes experiencing heavy pedestrian movement.
“We urge all road users to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain highly vigilant, particularly around Mpisi Farm, Mafutseni and all surrounding corridors,” Dlamini said.
He said heightened vigilance was essential as the Reed Dance brings increased movement of pedestrians and vehicles across the affected areas.
The safety call comes as the Imbali continue participating in the traditional reed-cutting exercise, with large groups travelling along roads between their designated camps and harvesting sites.
Meanwhile, the Imbali returned from Mpisi Farm in a jovial mood after completing the reed-cutting exercise.
Singing and celebrating, they made their way back carrying freshly cut reeds, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they returned to the campsite.
The joyful return underscored the cultural significance of the exercise and the enthusiasm with which the maidens continue to participate in Umhlanga.
With the ceremony continuing, authorities have urged motorists to adapt to the increased pedestrian activity and play their part in keeping the roads safe.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed, avoid distractions, remain patient and give the maidens sufficient space when travelling through areas associated with the ceremony.
As Eswatini celebrates its rich cultural heritage through Umhlanga 2026, the message from road safety authorities remains clear: slow down, stay alert and help protect the lives of the maidens and all road users.
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