BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– The Chairperson of the Ingwenyama Cup, Prince Hlangabeza, has encouraged emaSwati not to look down upon their cultural traditions but instead embrace and preserve them as a vital part of the nation’s identity.
The Prince made these remarks during the 2025/2026 Ingwenyama Cup Cultural Competition held this past weekend in the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, where cultural groups gathered to showcase traditional songs, dances and attire.
Addressing the audience in Siteki, Prince Hlangabeza expressed appreciation to the sponsor, SMVAF, for its continued commitment to ensuring the success of the Ingwenyama Cup alongside other stakeholders. He emphasised the importance of proper Swati traditional attire in all competition categories for both men and women.
The chairperson urged judges to consider dress code as part of the competition, noting that participants should always present themselves in their best traditional wear.
He also educated those in attendance about the Swati attire known as Kuvunula, explaining that it represents different stages of life for both men and women and highlights the beauty and richness of Swati culture.
Also addressing the gathering was the Chairperson of the SMVAF Board, Zithulele Gina, who said the Ingwenyama Cup would continue with renewed vigour, not only as a celebration of culture but also as a platform to promote road safety awareness. He noted that the competition brings together communities from across the country and allows chiefs from different regions to shine.
The competition saw groups competing in categories including Timbongi, Lutsango, Ummiso, Indlamu and Lacwebetelako. This year Ummiso replaced Ingadla as one of the categories.
Cultural groups filled venues with colour and pride as performers displayed vibrant traditional attire, powerful songs and energetic dances. Some groups also incorporated messages of road safety awareness into their performances, demonstrating how culture can be used to educate communities on important social issues.
Prince Hlangabeza declared the events a success, noting that competitions are part of a learning process and that mistakes should be viewed as opportunities for growth.
He also expressed gratitude to Emlembe Water for providing refreshments and to King Mswati III for sponsoring the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup.
The Prince further noted that the strong participation of young people reflected the wish of Their Majesties to see the youth actively involved in preserving and promoting Swati culture.
Regional winners were announced as follows. Shiselweni Region, Timbongi: Ntokozo Siyaya, Juniors: Bonginhlahla Shongwe, Ummiso: Buseleni Umphakatsi.
While in the Lubombo Region Timbongi: Thulani Mkhatjwa Phezukwenkhono: KaLanga Umphakatsi Indlamu: Kamkhweli Umphakatsi Lacwebetelako: KaPhunga Umphakatsi
Lubombo Regional Administrator Themba Msibi said the event played an important role in bringing communities together and celebrating culture within the region.
The Ingwenyama Cup Cultural Competition was launched 10 years ago by His Majesty King Mswati III and has been held eight times, as it was suspended for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The competition will continue later this month, with the next rounds scheduled for March 21, 2026 in the Hhohho Region at Buhleni, followed by the Manzini Region on March 22, 2026 in Manzini.
The Ingwenyama Cup remains one of the country’s most important cultural platforms, celebrating unity, identity and the enduring spirit of emaSwati traditions.
(Courtesy Pic)
