BUHLENI – Lutsango has reiterated the King’s call for the arrest of all those implicated in corruption, which continues to manifest itself in the country. The regiment of women from across the country focused their emphasis on a song performed during the first leg of the Marula Festival, held at the Buhleni Royal Residence over the weekend. They asserted that the arrest of the corrupt individuals, referred to as tikulupata (those in high-profile positions), would help address the ongoing drug shortages in the country’s hospitals. The women also expressed that improved roads could be a reality if those involved in corruption were apprehended and removed from their positions.
Inspired
It was noted that many of the song’s lyrics were inspired by submissions made at Sibaya and the speech delivered from the Throne during the official opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament. It is a cultural norm that regiments, be it warriors, Lutsango or Imbali, reduce emphasis, criticism, condemnation, praises and appreciation into songs which are sung during national events. These help relevant structures to act accordingly.
The lyrics conveyed a powerful message: “Nami ngasukuma esibayeni ngatsi live litawuphepha. Tikulupata atiboshwe, yaphela imali yemaSwati. Atiboshwe tonkhe, atiphume emahhovisi, kukhule umnotfo welive. Aphela emaphilisi etibhedlela.” This loosely translates to: “I raised it at Sibaya that the country will be safe if the corrupt could be arrested. Taxpayers’ money has been wasted. The corrupt must be arrested and removed from their positions so that the country’s economy could grow. Hospitals have run out of drugs.”
It should be noted that the corrupt activities leading to drug shortages in hospitals were a significant concern at Sibaya. In addressing public concerns, Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg compared those involved in corrupt activities to mice that could destroy everything, stressing the seriousness and consequences of such actions.The women also mentioned individuals they believe seek to exploit the country without further elaboration.
They assured that they would not permit anyone to take power from the King. They pledged to remain united in their support of the King. They likened the King to the biblical Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt during Pharaoh’s reign, asserting that he is the best leader for the nation of Eswatini. The lyrics declared, “Ngeke savuma, weNgwenyama. Ngeke savuma kutsi bakutsatse etandleni sikhona. Lonyaka ngulonyaka, singumshadza. Live walinikwa bobabemkhulu kutsi ulibuse.”
The women assured Their Majesties that they would always respond when called upon. Meanwhile, the Lutsango regiment is optimistic that emaSwati who were locked outside the borders during the colonial era will return home. They also expressed hope that their return would entail the reclamation of a portion of the country located in South Africa. The regiment distilled their hopes into a song sung at the first leg of the Marula Festival at the Buhleni Royal Residence. This sentiment encompasses those in areas such as Mjindini and across the Ngwavuma River, among other locations.
