The legacy of the late Queen Mantfombi kaDlamini was celebrated with emotion and gratitude during this year’s Umkhosi Wesivivane, as Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini reflected on her unwavering commitment to preserving Zulu customs and empowering women.
The King fondly remembered both his late parents, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Mantfombi, saying they dedicated their lives to restoring and strengthening traditional ceremonies that define the identity of the Zulu nation.
He said their vision ensured that cultural practices which had faded over the years were revived and embraced by younger generations.
King Misuzulu also paid tribute to the Lutsango regiment from Malindza Royal Kraal, thanking the women for their steadfast support of Zulu national events since the days of Queen Mantfombi.
He said their continued presence at cultural ceremonies symbolised the enduring bond between the Zulu Kingdom and Eswatini.
The King became emotional as he recalled witnessing the women gathering in prayer before presenting the reed, saying the moment reminded him of his mother’s deep faith and devotion to God.
He described the prayer session as a reflection of Queen Mantfombi’s character and the values she instilled in those around her.
Reflecting on the period following Queen Mantfombi’s passing, the King said the support he received from women across the kingdom gave him strength during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
Kingship
“When my mother passed on, women stood up with me in prayer. Even when the kingship was going through a difficult phase, they continued to stand with me and for that I thank you,” he said.
Mama Wesivivane Indvuna MaXaba also honoured the late Queen, revealing that it was Queen Mantfombi who introduced the Umkhosi Wesivivane concept in 2006.
She said the annual gathering was envisioned as more than a cultural ceremony, serving also as a platform to empower women socially and economically.
According to MaXaba, the programme includes empowerment sessions where women exchange entrepreneurial knowledge, discuss ways to improve their livelihoods and encourage one another to become self-reliant while preserving their cultural heritage.
Malindza Royal Kraal Inkhosikati LaNkhosi and Princess Tobhi shared similar sentiments, praising Queen Mantfombi for leaving behind a legacy that continues to unite and uplift women across generations.
They described her as a visionary leader whose passion for culture, faith and women’s empowerment remains evident in the continued growth of Umkhosi Wesivivane.
JOY, UNITY MARK UMKHOSI WESIVIVANE
Songs of celebration echoed across the royal grounds as thousands of women gathered in a colourful display of culture, unity and pride during this year’s Umkhosi Wesivivane.
The women delivered the reed before Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini during one of the kingdom’s most cherished traditional ceremonies held at Mashobeni Royal Residence on Saturday.
The atmosphere was electric as women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, sang, danced and ululated while making their way to present the reed before the King.
The ceremony celebrated Zulu identity and highlighted the vital role women continue to play in preserving the nation’s customs and traditions.
Leading the jubilant celebrations were King Misuzulu’s wives, Ndlunkulu kaMayisela, Ndlunkulu kaMulela and Ndlunkulu kaMawewe.
The three royal wives danced side by side, singing with the women’s regiments and encouraging participants throughout the ceremony.
Their unity and enthusiasm drew loud cheers from the crowd, with many joining in as they embraced the festive spirit.
The women moved in disciplined formations as they approached the King, proudly carrying the reed that symbolised purity, respect and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Their spirited performances transformed the royal residence into a sea of song and dance, with traditional melodies reverberating across the venue.
Addressing the gathering, King Misuzulu expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III for sending a delegation from Eswatini, led by Prince Hlangabeza, to witness the cultural celebration.
He said the delegation’s presence reflected the enduring cultural and historical ties shared by the two kingdoms.
PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN – KING MISUZULU
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has strongly condemned gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children, urging men to fulfil their responsibility as protectors of their families and communities.
Addressing thousands of women gathered for the annual Umkhosi Wesivivane ceremony, the King said violence against women and children had robbed many of hope and had no place in African society or Zulu tradition.
“Men need to be protectors because women have lost hope as a result of encountering different kinds of abuse,” he said.
King Misuzulu said his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, was firmly opposed to gender-based violence and upheld the principle that women should be respected and honoured within Zulu customs and traditions.
He stressed that women deserve dignity, honour and protection, adding that safeguarding women and children should remain a priority in society.
The monarch also expressed concern over the misuse of mobile phones and social media, saying technology should be used to strengthen communication rather than fuel conflict or spread harmful information.
He lamented the growing trend of people using social media platforms to circulate gossip, sensitive information and confidential matters that should remain private.
“What you are doing using phones is unbelievable. Phones were meant for communication, so use them for that purpose.
“Stop using phones to spread sensitive and confidential information,” said King Misuzulu.
He urged people to use technology responsibly and for constructive communication instead of contributing to division and the spread of damaging content.
