Hundreds of foreign nationals descended to Hlane Royal Residence to celebrate Eswatini’s unique culture during the Buganu Festival.
Among them was Undlunkulu LaMafu of the Zulu Kingdom, who was among prominent royal figures that took part in the second day of the festival at Hlane.
She joined Emakhosikati in celebrating culture, unity and the marula harvest.
Ndlunkulu Mafu stood poised among the royal women, her presence reflecting pride and support for the performers.
She watched attentively as Lutsango groups took turns dancing and singing in honour of the occasion.
At one moment, the melody shifted to the moving song ‘Uthando Lwakhe’, an expression of God’s love.
Inkhosikati LaNgangaza stepped forward to perform the kutsamba dance, her movements flowing gracefully with the rhythm of song and applause.
As the crowd watched in appreciation, Ndlunkulu Mafu stepped forward to offer encouragement and solidarity. Walking beside her was Liphovela LaZuma, the two showing a visible spirit of unity among the royal household.
Their gesture drew appreciation from the crowd as the dance continued and the drums echoed across the royal residence.
Other honoured international guests included UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira and UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin, representing the international community and underscoring the festival’s wider significance.
Their presence added a layer of global solidarity to the deeply rooted national celebration.
The celebrations continued with song and dance as Lutsango honoured not only the marula harvest but also the cultural traditions that bring the nation together.
FEMALE INMATES PARTICIPATE IN BUGANU FESTIVAL
For the first time, inmates from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) were allowed to participate as part of Lutsango during the ongoing Buganu Festival, joining other women at Hlane Royal Residence.
The inmates took part in the celebrations under supervision, participating alongside other Lutsango groups during the festivities on Friday and yesterday.
Their involvement formed part of a rehabilitation initiative aimed at reconnecting offenders with cultural values and national traditions.
According to HMCS spokesperson Baphelele Kunene, the opportunity was extended only to inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour and commitment to reform while serving their sentences.
“His Majesty’s Correctional Services can confirm that a group of inmates attended the Buganu Festival as part of a supervised rehabilitation initiative.
The opportunity was extended only to inmates who have demonstrated behavioural change, discipline and commitment to rehabilitation programmes within the correctional facilities,” he said.
Kunene said the initiative reflected their belief that rehabilitation should also strengthen cultural identity and respect for traditions.
He said such programmes were an important step in preparing offenders for life after incarceration.
“His Majesty’s Correctional Services views such initiatives as an important step in preparing offenders for successful reintegration into society as law-abiding and culturally grounded citizens,” he said.
