Thousands of maidens yesterday received new sneakers from Their Majesties.
The sneakers were worn by the maidens during their march from Ngabezweni to their respective destinations where they will cut the reed.
Senior maidens will cut the reed at Mpisi Farm and junior maidens at KaBhamsakhe.
This is not the first time Their Majesties have gifted Imbali with sneakers. Similar gestures have been witnessed in previous years.
The sneakers help the maidens to march comfortably during the annual event. They were branded with the Imbali Foundation logo and came in different sizes, ranging from size one to size nine. They were all maroon in colour. The maidens expressed their appreciation for the gift, saying the sneakers would make their march more comfortable.
Princess Sakhizwe, together with Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe Hlatjwako, led the receiving of the sneakers. As they received the sneakers, the maidens expressed their gratitude to Their Majesties by shouting, “Bayethe Wena Waphakathi!”
Nozizo Dlamini from Lobamba Lomdzala thanked Their Majesties for remembering the maidens and providing them with the sneakers.
She said the gift showed the care and support Their Majesties continued to give Imbali.
Sakhile Simelane from Nsingweni also expressed her excitement after receiving the sneakers.
“Bayethe Wena Waphakathi, these are very nice sneakers,” she said.
Neliswa Dludlu from Siphofaneni also thanked Their Majesties for the gift, saying the sneakers would be useful during the long march.
The maidens said they were looking forward to wearing their new sneakers as they continue with the annual march. The presentation of the sneakers added excitement among the maidens.
The gift also demonstrated the continued relationship between Their Majesties and Imbali, with the maidens showing their appreciation through songs.
