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Mbulelo Mpofu, Sunday Life Reporter
A BREATHTAKING sea of red flooded the royal grounds as thousands gathered for the first leg of Eswatini’s annual Buganu Ceremony at the Buhleni Royal Residence — and among the visiting guests were Zimbabwe’s legendary all-female Thandanani Women’s Ensemble.
From 12 to 15 March, the 11-member group took part in a cultural exchange that celebrated the Eswatini’s Indlovukati, Queen Ntfombi Tfwala and showcased Zimbabwe’s rich performing traditions alongside ensembles from across Africa.
Excitement reached its peak when the Indlovukati and Ingwenyama arrived. Ululations pierced the air, whistles echoed across the arena and spectators rose to their feet in respect and celebration. Moments after the royal arrival, Lutsango regiments energised the grounds with synchronised dances and songs that blended individual regimental styles into the broad cultural harmony of the ceremony. The health sector’s Lutsango sang Sivikela ngemjovo lonyaka — a public-health affirmation of vaccination — while the Tinkhundla Lutsango urged swift development with Sitosuka sitsi Nkwe oKandaba Siletse Intfutfuko.
A regiment from Montigny paraded a wooden shield engraved with a wattle tree and sang a tribute to the nation’s men, drawing appreciative cheers. For Thandanani, the invitation to Eswatini was both an honour and a duty.
“We went to Eswatini and for the duration of the three days presented presents and dance routines to the Queen with different ensembles from across Africa,” said the group’s director, Florence Sithole.
“We showed her our isitshikitsha and other dances, while waving our Zimbabwean flag high.” The director described the visit as “an amazing experience,” underlining how the group used the occasion to put Zimbabwean culture firmly on display. Thandanani’s 11 members span generations: Florence Sithole (72), Milika Moyo (69), Siphiwe Ndlovu (62), Sibongile Mpofu (62), Enethi Nkomo (58), Sizalobuhle Khumalo (58), Aginetha Ntutha (57), Nomalungelo Mpengesi (56), Thandiwe Dube (49), Sibonisile Luphahla (42) and Thandanani Khumalo (42). Their longevity, both as individuals and as an ensemble, has become part of their story — a living archive of song, dance and cultural memory they carry wherever they perform. Sithole also paid tribute to the cultural steadfastness of Eswatini.
She commended how culturally anchored the people are, noting that they “don’t get swayed by anything” — a quality she said other African nations could learn from. That cultural rootedness was evident throughout Buganu’s formal proceedings, where each group’s composition retained local themes and messages even as harmonies and rhythms interwove to create a cohesive ceremony.
March also marked Women’s History Month and came days after International Women’s Day on 8 March, a fitting backdrop for Thandanani’s appearance. The ensemble has spent decades keeping Zimbabwean culture alive, earning recognition at provincial and national levels and serving as cultural ambassadors abroad.
Earlier this month, they were acknowledged by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), coming in as second runner-up in the Women in Arts category.
Despite the plaudits, the trip highlighted persistent challenges. Although Eswatini authorities assisted with food and accommodation during their stay, Sithole lamented the paucity of support from Zimbabwean institutions.
She implored the Government to help fund travel and logistical needs, arguing that groups like Thandanani assume de facto cultural ambassador roles when they represent the nation abroad and deserve backing to sustain that work.
Thandanani’s artistic director also outlined plans to secure the group’s future. The ensemble, which has won numerous awards, aims to initiate projects that will ensure the longevity of its brand and preserve the repertoire for younger generations.. — @MbuleloMpofu
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