BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – South Africa’s House of Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, is among the women parliamentarians set to attend this year’s Buganu Festival, scheduled to take place at Hlane Royal Residence from March 7 to March 9, 2025.
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini stated that Didiza would arrive in the country by March 7, 2025, and would take the opportunity to tour various places, appreciating the work done by different businesspeople and other stakeholders. This visit is organized under the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Dlamini highlighted that the female parliamentarians would be in the country to discuss their roles and experiences as legislators in their respective countries. They will also have the chance to learn about the Buganu ceremony, as their visit coincides with the traditional event.
In addition to Didiza, other notable attendees will include Malawi’s House of Assembly Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara, South Africa’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Lindi Lettie Masina, Chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus in South Africa Dereleen Elana James, Kenyan Member of Parliament Beatrice Kahai Adagala, Zambian National Assembly Member Emelda Munashabantu, Zambia’s National Assembly Senior Hansard Editor Wakumelo Lutangu, and Onoja Obiageli, also from Zambia.
Dlamini mentioned that some of these esteemed delegates have already started arriving in the country. On March 6, there will be a meet-and-greet session, followed by a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla in her office in Mbabane. The delegates will also visit various projects led by women in the country, including initiatives by former Manzini South MP Thandi Nxumalo and renowned businesswoman Tokkie Hou from Far East Garments in Matsapha.
On Friday, the parliamentarians will join Lutsango from Parliament to participate in Kwetfula before Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, followed by traditional dances on Saturday.
