BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Senator Siphelele Mkhonta has stepped forward to support Mangwaneni Imbali as the maidens prepare to fulfil their national cultural duty at the forthcoming Umhlanga Reed Dance summoned by His Majesty King Mswati III.
Mkhonta, who comes from Zone 4 in Mahhwalala, made a contribution of E10 000 towards the purchase of emahiya (traditional attire) required by the Mangwaneni maidens ahead of the major cultural event.
The contribution was accompanied by food parcels comprising rice and beans, further extending the senator’s support to the royal residence and the maidens.
The assistance was confirmed by Chairman of the Mangwaneni Royal Residence (Sigodlo) Inner Council and spokesperson, Mlungissi ‘Khulekela’ Dlamini, who said Mkhonta had approached them seeking to establish how he could assist as a Liswati and member of the community.
Dlamini said the senator came to greet members of the royal residence and, during his visit, asked where he could contribute towards the preparations for the Umhlanga Reed Dance.
“The Senator came to greet us. He asked us, as His Majesty King Mswati III has summoned Imbali for Umhlanga Red Dance, where could he help as a Liswati and community member,” Dlamini said.
According to Dlamini, the royal residence explained that there were several needs, but the immediate priority was supporting Mangwaneni Imbali as the maidens prepared for their participation in the national cultural event.
“We told him it’s much, but the priority is Mangwenini Imbali as the maidens prepare for the Umhlanga cultural event. There are emahiya which were needed,” he said.
Mkhonta subsequently came through with E10 000 specifically towards the purchase of the required emahiya.
Dlamini said the donation was warmly received and appreciated by the royal residence, describing the senator’s intervention as meaningful support at a time when the maidens are preparing to answer the King’s call.
“He then came through with E10 000 towards purchasing the needed emahiya. He came here with food parcels which comprised rice and beans packages. We were very much grateful. And we are still appreciating,” Dlamini said.
The donations were received by Dlamini together with Umntfwanenkhosi Mazoco.
Mkhonta referred questions regarding the contribution to Dlamini, who explained that the senator’s intervention was motivated by a desire to play his part in supporting a national cultural responsibility.
The support comes as preparations intensify for the Umhlanga Reed Dance, one of Eswatini’s most significant cultural events, which brings together thousands of maidens from across the country.
For Mangwaneni Imbali, the preparations involve ensuring that the maidens have the necessary traditional attire and other requirements to participate appropriately in the event.
Dlamini’s account places emphasis on the significance of Mkhonta’s contribution beyond the monetary value, saying the senator first sought to understand where his assistance could make the greatest difference.
His decision to prioritise emahiya means that the E10 000 contribution will directly assist in meeting one of the immediate needs identified for the Mangwaneni maidens.
The food parcels, meanwhile, provided additional assistance to the royal residence as preparations continue.
Mkhonta’s contribution also highlights the role that individuals and community members can play in supporting national cultural activities, particularly when communities are mobilising resources to ensure that their representatives are adequately prepared.
For Mangwaneni, the assistance has provided a boost as its Imbali prepares to join thousands of maidens in responding to His Majesty’s summons for the Umhlanga Reed Dance.
Dlamini said the royal residence remained grateful for the senator’s gesture, stressing that the support was received in the spirit in which it was offered — as a contribution from a Liswati and community member seeking to assist with a national cultural duty.
The contribution therefore comes at a significant time for Mangwaneni Imbali, with the maidens now preparing their attire and other requirements ahead of their participation in the annual cultural gathering.
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(Courtesy Pic)
