BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NKAMANZI – The spirit of Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage is shining brightly in Nkamanzi as Imbali intensify preparations for the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance, embracing kuhlehla as an important cultural duty and expression of unity. With just four days to go before Umhlanga begins, excitement is building among the young maidens as they put the final touches to their preparations.
The maidens have been conducting their preparations at Nkamanzi Chiefdom, which falls under Chief Prince Gija in the Ndzingeni Constituency, where they have been dedicating themselves to rehearsals ahead of the national ceremony.
In an interview with Eswatini Positive News on August 20, 2026, Inkhosatana of Nkamanzi Imbali, Philile Dlamini, revealed that this year’s Umhlanga will mark her 10th time attending the prestigious cultural ceremony, giving her a decade of experience and cherished memories.
Reflecting on her journey, Dlamini described Umhlanga as a beautiful experience that brings Imbali together while allowing young maidens to celebrate and uphold Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
“Attending Umhlanga is such a beautiful experience. It brings us together as Imbali, allows us to celebrate our culture and gives us memories that we will always carry with us,” she said.
Dlamini said every Umhlanga offers something special, from preparing alongside fellow maidens to the excitement of joining thousands of Imbali gathered to celebrate Eswatini’s traditions.
She encouraged young maidens, particularly first-time participants, to embrace the experience while respecting the values, discipline and traditions that define the ceremony.
“Every Umhlanga is special. When you are there with other Imbali, sharing the experience and celebrating our culture together, you realise how beautiful our traditions are,” Dlamini said.
She also called on Imbali to come out in large numbers and embrace kuhlehla, emphasising that participation in Umhlanga goes beyond dancing.
“Umhlanga is about our culture, unity, discipline and coming together as Imbali,” she said.
Dlamini urged the maidens to approach Umhlanga with pride, discipline and respect, describing kuhlehla as a cultural duty that allows Imbali to actively participate in preserving Eswatini’s heritage.
Meanwhile, preparations at Nkamanzi Chiefdom have continued, with the maidens perfecting their choreography and movements while strengthening unity and teamwork ahead of the national gathering.
The 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance will run from August 25 to 31, 2026, with the main ceremony and public holiday taking place on Monday, August 31, at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
As the nation counts down to the annual celebration, Nkamanzi Imbali are ready to step forward with pride, energy and grace, carrying with them the values of tradition, unity and national pride.
For Dlamini, returning to Umhlanga for the 10th time is more than a personal milestone. It is a decade-long journey that has strengthened her appreciation of Eswatini’s heritage and reinforced the importance of passing cultural traditions on to future generations.
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