Imbali from all corners of the country have promised to attend the reed dance even in the upcoming years as they vowed to keep themselves pure.
This was shared by the maidens who were cutting the reed at Mpisi Farm yesterday.
After cutting the reed, the maidens showed joy and pride in their culture as they cut the fattest reeds and also tied them together, carrying them to their resting places.
Those who have attended the Reed Dance for more than 16 times advised young maidens to remain pure and preserve their culture by continuing to attend the annual ceremony.
Most of the maidens who have been attending Umhlanga for many times stated that they had now been given the task of leading maidens from their chiefdoms.
This, according to the maidens, was done so that they could continue being examples to the young Imbali from their communities.
Tevangeli Tfwala who is 28 years and part of Imbali from the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), said she was part of the 2026 Umhlanga. She said ever since she started attending the Reed Dance, she has noticed that libutfo was growing.
Tfwala said as she has now attended the ceremony for 11 times, respect was what worked for her.
She said it was also important for them as girls to teach each other about respect and abstinence, as the Reed Dance was about more than cutting the reed. She said walking the long distances was what made them strong as ladies.
“I would like to encourage Imbali to keep the advice they get from imiphakatsi, their homes and the rest of the nation. Coming here is not about cutting the reed, but staying pure. We are known for respect as a nation and we need to learn from those who are older than us,” she said.
