King blesses new arena
HLANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has blessed the new arena at Hlane as a stadium to be developed for the Buganu Ceremony.
This year’s Buganu Ceremony was held at a site which was freshly cleared, about a kilometre east, past the royal residence. The tent area was maintained at the usual place opposite the residence. Though the regiment had to walk for
a longer distance from where their lodging tents were, they entered the arena in high spirits and danced through the sunny day.
IMPROVE
The King thanked the regiment for their patience over the years and highlighted that it was important for the logistics team to put in place a plan to improve from the experience. He said the land would be developed and made conducive for dancing and celebrating. His Majesty signified the increase in numbers as the reason for a bigger place to be made available for the ceremony. He introduced the new arena as a stadium created to accommodate the growing numbers of the regiment.
“We were surprised by the numbers and I am even aware that those doing logistics have been having a tough time. We saw the long queues and we hope that with the new arena you will be comfortable in future. We appreciate the numbers and the respect of the regiment. We hope that when the regiment return the land will be level and there will be no thorns so you can dance and enjoy even more,” said the King.
A budget of E20 million has been set aside for the development of the new arena. His Majesty also thanked the women for composing new songs encouraging one another to participate in the upcoming 2023 National Elections.
HOLISTICALLY
His Majesty said the ceremony was not for imbibing alcohol beverages but to celebrate and enjoy holistically.
His Majesty King Mswati III applauded the increasing numbers of the regiment and the growth reflected in the songs composed by the women.
He said Buganu Ceremony was now a tourist attraction and a unifying factor for the African continent and the entire world. He thanked the regiment for ensuring that they do not only ferment the fruit, but create other important supplies.