BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- The vibrant songs, colourful regalia and remarkable unity of thousands of Imbali made Umhlanga 2026, held from August 25 to 31, one of Eswatini’s most memorable cultural celebrations, drawing participants and visitors from across the country, the region and beyond.
Amid the celebration, National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango commended the Imbali for the discipline, respect and good conduct they displayed throughout the Reed Dance.
Speaking during an interview at Ludzidzini Royal Residence as the traditional ceremony of Kulahlwa Kwemhlanga unfolded on the final day of the celebrations, Masango said the responsible conduct of thousands of maidens and their escorts contributed to the peaceful continuation of the annual cultural event.
The National Commissioner said the impressive turnout demonstrated the enduring significance of Umhlanga and the special relationship between His Majesty King Mswati III and the maidens.
“The maidens have come out in numbers, including Imbali from South Africa and beyond. This is a testament that the King is a gift of the maidens and the country,” Masango said.
The strong participation came during a significant period for the Kingdom, following celebrations marking His Majesty’s 40th anniversary on the throne and 58th birthday.
Masango said the success of a cultural celebration of Umhlanga’s scale depends not only on participation, but also on discipline and respect.
He thanked the Imbali for taking care of themselves and maintaining good conduct throughout the ceremony.
“We thank the maidens for the good respect and taking care of themselves,” he said.
He also urged motorists and communities along the routes used by the Imbali to demonstrate the same spirit of respect by exercising caution and giving the maidens the necessary consideration as they travelled.
“We further plead with the nation along the road where the maidens walk to travel with caution and also show respect to everyone,” Masango said.
The appeal highlighted road safety as a shared responsibility, particularly during periods when large groups of Imbali travelled between royal sites and other locations associated with the ceremony.
Umhlanga 2026 provided a powerful showcase of Eswatini’s living cultural heritage, with the Kingdom welcoming visitors eager to experience the ceremony first-hand.
The sight of thousands of Imbali united through traditional songs, dance, regalia and cultural practice offered visitors a glimpse into the values and traditions that continue to shape Eswatini’s identity.
The participation of Imbali from South Africa and beyond further strengthened the regional character of the celebration, while international tourists added to the cultural exchange surrounding the event.
For Eswatini, the ceremony demonstrated how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge between the Kingdom and the wider world.
Masango also highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancement without losing the cultural identity that distinguishes Eswatini.
He said tradition and technology should complement each other as the country moves forward.
Drawing from an analogy used by His Majesty at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, Masango recalled the comparison of a piano, where both the white and black keys are necessary to create a complete sound.
He said the same principle applies to national development.
“The youth of today is into technology a lot and those of us who are older might not know the power of technology. We have seen that for the world to develop, we need to align tradition with technology and it is really beautiful as it shows that the nation is growing,” he said.
Masango said technology should therefore be embraced as a tool for development while ensuring that Eswatini’s traditions remain relevant and protected.
The National Commissioner further pointed to the growing interest among foreign visitors in Eswatini’s traditional regalia as evidence of the Kingdom’s cultural appeal beyond its borders.
He noted that international visitors were increasingly seen purchasing and wearing traditional attire, demonstrating how Eswatini’s cultural heritage can connect with people from different parts of the world.
This growing interest also creates opportunities for cultural tourism, local businesses, artisans and communities to benefit from visitors seeking authentic Eswatini experiences.
As Umhlanga 2026 came to a close on August 31, the ceremony left behind more than memories of song, colour and celebration.
It demonstrated the strength of a culture embraced by its young people, protected by its communities and shared with visitors from around the world.
For Masango, the path forward is one where discipline protects the dignity of culture, safety protects its people, and technology helps carry tradition into the future.
Umhlanga 2026 has once again shown that Eswatini’s culture remains a powerful source of national pride — and a remarkable window through which the world can experience the Kingdom.
#Umhlanga2026 #NatCom #VusiManomaMasango #Imbali #Ludzidzini #EswatiniCulture #CulturalHeritage #CulturalTourism #VisitEswatini #RoadSafety #TraditionAndTechnology #Eswatini
