Luthuli Dlamini reconnects with ancestry

Luthuli Dlamini at the Buganu Festival held in Eswatini

SEASONED South Africa-based actor Luthuli Dlamini has emphasised the importance of African people staying true to their culture and traditions, saying this connection helps them maintain their identity and remain spiritually grounded in their ancestral roots.

The thespian, who has featured in various Mzansi telenovelas including Scandal, Generations and Uzalo, shared these reflections after attending this year’s Buganu Festival, held in Eswatini.

The Buganu Festival, also known as the Marula Festival, is an annual cultural celebration in Eswatini that honours the harvest of the Marula fruit and the long-standing tradition of brewing Marula beer. It is primarily a women’s festival, led by the Lutsango (women’s regiment), who gather to present gifts and the “first fruits” brew to King Mswati III and the Queen Mother (Indlovukazi).

This year’s festival was hosted in two “legs” at different royal residences. The first leg took place at Buhleni Royal Residence from February 27 to March 1. The second leg was held at Hlane Royal Residence from March 13 to 15, where Luthuli Dlamini attended as one of the guests.

Dlamini described the event as a powerful ceremony that showcased national unity, reconciliation and ancestral continuity. To underline this spirit of togetherness, the festival also attracted numerous foreign visitors, including a royal Zulu women’s regiment.

According to Dlamini, the presence of international guests added depth to the celebration, demonstrating how culture, music and tradition can bring people together, transforming the festival into a moment of true cross-cultural unity.

“Recently, I was at the home of the Dlaminis in Swaziland for the Buganu Festival, and I was spiritually and emotionally touched by the event. We celebrated with the King, as the Queens led us through music and dance.

“What I realised is that the Swazi people take pride in their culture and heritage. The event was supported by everyone, as it had massive attendance, a sign that people are living in peace and in harmony.

“I might be a Dlamini from Zimbabwe, but my ancestry comes from Eswatini. We are one people, and it felt amazing to be surrounded by multitudes who bear the same surname. That made me feel belonging and at home,” said

Dlamini.

Meanwhile, after missing last year’s Imiklomela kaDakamela (Chief Dakamela’s Achievers Awards) due to unforeseen circumstances, Dlamini revealed that he will be part of this year’s event.