Mbabane - Culture
The
busiest border post, in Swaziland, is at Nqwenya due to its proximity to
the capital, Mbabane, and the fact that it lies on the direct road route
from the major population centre in the Republic of South Africa. Once
over the border, visitors immediately sees Swazi homesteads scattered
across the rolling hills; rugged mountains slashed by timbered river
valleys.
Nqwenya Glass and the turn off to Piggs Peak and Hawane Park are to the
left and Mbabane, the Swazi capital, is soon reached. The city was
formally established in 1902 by the British Colonial Authorities, the
Highveld climate at this altitude being cooler and healthier than that in
Manzini. Surrounded by hills, Mbabane has not lost its village atmosphere
despite the tall commercial buildings which have been erected in the
recent years.
Leaving the town, to the south, the road passe the Swazi Plaza Shopping Centre and the Mbabane Market before commencing the long winding road to Manzini. This sharp descent becomes the
Swaziland
Nestled snugly and conveniently in the between South Africa and Mozambique is Africa's best kept secret - the Kingdom of Swaziland. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests, fertile valleys and the hot still beat of the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder through the "Switzerland of Africa".
Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. And proud of it! Led by His Majesty King Mswati III the nation rejoices in its traditions and is staunchly committed to safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations.Few countries today can boast the safety, stability and peace which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her neighbours. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to travellers.
Access
to Swaziland, may be made through any of twelve border posts or the
centrally located Matsapha airport with all four corners of the country
accessible by tarred road. The capital Mbabane, and the industrial hub of
Manzini, are sophisticated business centers offering an upbeat alternative
to the tranquility and sense of timeless found in more outlying areas. No
matter where your travels take you within the kingdom, you will meet the
courtesy, friendliness and genuine desire to help and share that make it
easy to see why Swaziland claims to offer the visitor …. "The
Royal Experience." the people have preserved their age-old culture
and traditional ceremonies. The two most
important and colourful of these, in the eyes of Swazi's and
foreigners alike, are the iNcwala in December and the Umhlanga in late
August or early September. The iNcwala or "first fruits"
ceremony is rich in symbolism and the most important and sacred of all
Swazi ceremonies. The actual day on which it is held is largely
unpredictable as it is chosen only after the careful study of the movement
of the planets by Swazi astrologers. The ceremony starts with the journey
by the bemanti people, a small clan living in the Manzini
area, to Mozambique to collect the form of the waves, believed to be
combined with medicinal and mystic powers. Their return is celebrated as
the "little Incwala" and marks the beginning of the celebration
of the main iNcwala. Youth from all over the country gather at the Royal
Kraal at Ngabezweni and they set out to collect the branches of the sacred
lusekwane shrub. Such youths should never have seduced a woman so as to
impregnate her, as the branches of the shrub would wither away as they
journey back. The branches end up being used for building an enclosure for
the King. During the iNcwala, all people, especially male, converge at the
Royal Kraal at Ludzidzini for several weeks of traditional dancing which
is always joined by the King, who is known in Swazi custom as the "Ngwenyama
or lion" There are special songs for this ceremony. Until recently
the traditional attire was a prerequisite for attendance at this occasion.
The iNcwala season usually ends when the warriors have finished weeding
the King's fields.
The
Umhlanga or "Reed dance" is the second most important ceremony
as well as one of the most colourful. The ceremony is specially for
unbetrothed maidens to pay homeage to the King and Queen Mother. The Queen
is know as the Ndlovukati or "she-elephant". It attracts young
girls from all over the country. In the past this used to present an
opportunity for the King and suitors to choose new brides as the beauty of
the maidens is totally displayed. The trend has been reversed now since
younger girls of below marriage age also attend. The maidens, like the
boys, set out to collect reeds from selected areas which end up being used
to build wind breaks for the Queen Mother. They are expected to walk all
the way, as in previous times there was no transport.
Although
these ceremonies, which are at the core of Swazi culture, are performed
but once a year, there are still many opportunities to witness traditional
Swazi customs The sibhaca, vigorous in style, is performed by teams of men
throughout the country. The rhythm and spectacular physique of the men
when performing produces great admiration from spectators. Again the
colourful Swazi way of dressing is displayed. Sibhaca dancing is sometimes
performed as a competition or sometimes just for the sheer fun of it.
Teams of dancers entertain visitors regularly at the Royal Swazi Sun,
Lugogo Sun and Ezulwini Sun Hotels, as well as Mlilwane Wildlife
Sanctuary, Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park. Contact
their respective receptions for information on time and place.
Swazi weddings are also a major occasion for celebration. Although synonymous with western marriage, Swazis do it in a way that is typical of other Swazi traditional dances. The bride forms the center of attention during the ceremony known as kuteka, the equivalent an engagement, and only her side of the party perform the dance. The engagement is complete when the bride has been anointed with a red mixture of clay and fat, known as libovu, which is smeared on the face and the body. The groom's family then give a child to the bride, who is also anointed with fats. Thereafter the child, a girl, is known as the brides own and she is in charge of her, although the real parents retain their parental rights. The final wedding or umtsimba is a weekend celebration after the groom has completed his payment of the "brides-price" or lobolo, comprising of a number of head of cattle.
Swazi Trails, a tour operator based at the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel, offer various outings to witness Swazi culture. These are suitable for groups and individuals