As the cherry on top of a colourful and joy-filled Umhlanga Main Day, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the Zulu nation officially introduced his fiancée, Liphovela Undlunkulu Sihle Mdhluli, to His Majesty King Mswati III.
This beautiful moment took place during the annual Reed Dance at the Ludzidzini arena, where thousands of Imbali, dignitaries and kings from other African nations had gathered for the event.
The announcement was a total surprise, delivered with a spectacular display of Zulu culture, respect, and, most of all, love.
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Just after the maidens had finished their second song of ummiso, which was led by newly announced Imbali Indvuna Bongwe Vivane Hlatjwako, a group from Mpumalanga took to the stage. Maidens from all regions of the Zulu nation were then called to the front to showcase their dancing and singing.
As the Zulu maidens sang, Zulu warriors began to gather, and spectators, completely in the dark, wondered if they were about to perform a traditional kudlalisela.
As the warriors and maidens sang the same Zulu song in perfect harmony, senior princes were seen making their way down from the grandstands. The programme directors, Deputy National Commissioner Wendy Hleta and MP Tsembeni Magongo, announced that Lutsango, who had been cheering the maidens, needed to move from the arena to make way for the Zulu king.
Then the moment everyone was waiting for arrived. The Zulu king, accompanied by dozens of Zulu warriors, entered the arena as the maidens continued to sing and dance with joyous energy.
Among the group was his fiancée, Liphovela Sihle Mdhluli, who had been dancing with the other Zulu princesses. In a magical move, she separated herself from the other maidens, and King Misuzulu did the same, creating a beautiful island of love right in the middle of the arena.
The couple danced together, their happiness shining for all to see. King Misuzulu added a special touch by decorating her hair with a feather as she knelt before him. The atmosphere was filled with love and celebration.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the king and his fiancée danced and posed for pictures, sharing their love with everyone present. This heart-warming display lasted from 6:25pm to 6:40pm and was a moment of pure joy for all.
According to senior Zulu warriors, this beautiful display was the official way for the Zulu king to introduce his fiancée to Their Majesties. They explained that because King Misuzulu is a nephew to His Majesty, it was a cultural custom for him to make this formal introduction.
They added that since Mdhluli is a maiden from South Africa, this introduction ensures that everyone knows who she is when she visits the country on her own.
This is not the first time such a lovely gesture has taken place at the Reed Dance. In 2022, King Misuzulu’s brother, senior Zulu Prince Bambindlovu kaZwelithini, also publicly declared his love for his fiancée. Their mother was the late Princess Mantfombi.
New Song Hints at Bringing Back Death Penalty
Imbali’s new song about gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, and crime hinted at bringing back the death penalty.
The saying, “enough is enough”, perfectly captured the powerful message sent by the maidens to Their Majesties, government, and development partners.
The poignant song highlighted the devastating effects of GBV, femicide, and other crimes plaguing the nation.
The lyrics, “Lokubulawa kwebesifazane nebantfwana kanye nebucala kubuyisela sive nemnotfo emuva…” (The killing of women and children, along with other crimes, is taking the nation and the economy backward), struck an emotional chord with everyone in the arena.
Many commented that the song was a clear cry for help, suggesting the strengthening or review of existing laws against GBV and femicide. The song even hinted at the possibility of reinstating the death penalty as a way to curb these crimes.
Led by the newly appointed Imbali Indvuna Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatjwako, the maidens changed their rhythm and dance moves for this particular song, signifying the gravity of the issue. They urged development partners like the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), as well as regional bodies, to join forces in the fight against GBV.
This comes at a time when stakeholders, including lawmakers, are pressuring the judiciary and government to intensify efforts against crime. Civil society organisations have called for GBV to be declared a national disaster.
In Parliament, senators such as Lorraine Nxumalo, Isaac Magagula, and Prince Mphatfwa have advocated for making GBV and femicide non-bailable offences. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane has also publicly criticised bail for suspects in GBV-related murders.
The maidens’ song raised concerns about women and girls no longer feeling safe, with their final plea being: “We only look to you, Ngwenyama.”
Over 3 800 Foreign Imbali at Umhlanga
Umhlanga 2025 exceeded expectations, transforming into a magnificent regional event as over 3 800 maidens from outside Eswatini participated.
The ceremony welcomed more than 54 delegates from the African Union, as well as chiefs, kings, and tourists from across the globe, including China, Russia, and Australia.
REPS Deputy Commissioner Wendy Hleta, who was programme director, expressed delight, noting that a goal was set last year to make the Reed Dance a regional affair.
The event brought together over 6 000 maidens from various regions of South Africa.
As for the local maidens, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Imbali leaders admitted they lost count as there were simply too many.
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