This year’s Reed Dance ceremony which took place in Eswatini (Swaziland) at the beginning of September, started on a high note with over 10,000 spectators coming from around the globe to witness the imbali (swazi maidens) display their dancing skills.
Girls of all ages attended the event, including those from the Republic of South Africa (mainly from the KwaZulu-Natal Province) who showed solidarity to the historic event. They, too, were keen to showcase their positive morality before visitors and the Kingdom’s authorities.
From the first day of the event, guest speakers interacted with the girls as they empowered them through inspirational lessons and song, speaking of what it means to be a responsible and virtuous woman. Through this platform, the girls are given a sense of pride, knowing their worth and how to uphold high moral standards.
From across the four regions of the Kingdom, the girls form lasting relationships and learn from each other, which is a legacy long after the event has ended. They also talk about how they look forward to the next event. Notably, every year the girls bring to the occasion new songs all filled with inspirational messages and righteous living. Usually, the songs are composed in relation to what happens at the time.
Visitors came from far off countries, some half way across the globe, such as the United Stated of America, Taiwan, Germany, and the Netherlands. Visitors also came from within the continent from countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, and many others from central Africa.
The Swazi Traditional Village, situated at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence was a focal point for visitors as they made a stopover for exploration. The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) had set up their information desk at the village, welcoming visitors and offering the necessary information about the Kingdom, the Reed Dance, the rules and the etiquettes of the ceremony. Visitors were particularly intrigued by the small grass huts, which they could enter and photograph.
The main day of the Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony saw a superb display of dancing skills, with maidens showing off their moves before their majesties, dignitaries and the nation. The Imbali, led by the reigning maidens’ leader, the King’s daughter, Princess Temaswati, received much appreciation from all those that attended to watch the ceremony. The Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony, which remains unrivalled in the whole of Africa, is a truly beautiful traditional event that remains forever in the minds of those who come to attend it.
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