MBABANE – The Umhlanga Reed Dance Main Day has officially been set for Sunday, 8 September, and it will be observed as a public holiday, as announced by Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe.
The announcement follows a briefing by Indvuna Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatjwako and Inkhosatana Yembali Princess Sakhizwe, who shared key dates for this year’s Reed Dance Ceremony.
Traditional Cultural Calendar Confirmed
The Umhlanga Reed Dance, a celebrated annual event in Eswatini’s cultural calendar, is traditionally held from late August to early September.
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Main Day, when thousands of unmarried maidens dance before Their Majesties, typically falls on a Monday — and this year, it will be on 8 September.
During the festivities, maidens cut reed and present it to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Queen Mother.
Official Arrival and Activity Schedule
According to Indvuna Hlatjwako, Their Majesties have instructed that the Imbali regiment report to Ludzidzini Royal Residence on:
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2 September: Arrival and registration
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3 September: March to Ngabezweni Royal Residence and group dispersal
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4 September: Reed cutting
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5 September: Return to Ludzidzini
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6 September: Rest and preparations
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7 September: Presentation of reeds before the Indlovukazi
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8 September: Main Day – dancing before Their Majesties and the nation
Role of Chiefdoms and Guardians
“Each chiefdom is expected to assign four men and two women to accompany the maidens,” said Indvuna Hlatjwako.
If a maiden falls ill, two of the men assigned must report back to their respective chiefdom.
Traditional leaders were also reminded to guide and support all participants, especially the young women and their guardians during the entire cultural process.
Caution Against Including Very Young Maidens
A strong appeal was made to traditional leaders not to permit very young maidens to participate, as the scarcity of reed often requires participants to walk long distances, which may be physically demanding for younger girls.
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