BY NELIWE NGUBANE
LUDZIDZINI— Seven Umhlanga appearances later, South African actor Meshack Mavuso remains captivated by the Kingdom of Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage, describing the annual Reed Dance as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving African traditions.
Mavuso, who joined Their Majesties, members of the royal family, dignitaries and thousands of Emaswati during the Umhlanga 2026 Main Day at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence Arena, praised His Majesty King Mswati III for his continued role in preserving and promoting Eswatini’s cultural identity.
The actor said his attendance at this year’s celebration marked his seventh Umhlanga, making the annual cultural event a familiar yet equally inspiring experience for him.
Mavuso, popularly recognised for his television roles as Jaxon in Smoke & Mirrors and Dr Thabo Dlamini in Durban Gen, said he was impressed by the scale of the celebration and the commitment displayed by thousands of maidens participating in the traditional ceremony.
The Main Day brought together maidens from across the country as they showcased their traditional dances, colourful attire and cultural pride before Their Majesties and the large gathering at Ludzidzini.
For Mavuso, witnessing the maidens participate in the ceremony was more than an entertaining spectacle. He viewed it as evidence that cultural values and traditions continue to be upheld and passed from one generation to the next.
He particularly commended the maidens for embracing cultural practices and maintaining the values associated with the Reed Dance, saying their participation demonstrated the strength of Eswatini’s cultural foundation.
The actor also applauded the leadership of King Mswati III for creating a platform where Swazi traditions can continue to thrive and attract people from beyond Eswatini’s borders.
His return to Umhlanga further highlighted the festival’s growing appeal as a cultural celebration that attracts international visitors, artists, public figures and tourists eager to experience the Kingdom’s traditions first-hand.
As the seventh Umhlanga experience came alive for Mavuso, his message remained clear: Eswatini’s culture is worth celebrating, protecting and passing on to future generations.
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