By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE: Eswatini has temporarily halted operations in all Government Departments for the ongoing Buganu Ceremony despite economic hardships and/or financial challenges affecting the tiny Kingdom, production even in various companies within the private sector has been suspended at least until Tuesday.

The second leg of the Buganu Ceremony commenced on Friday at Hlane Royal Residence and will end with a Lutsango Holiday on Monday, economic production will then resume on Tuesday.

But the Eswatini National Calendar suggests that, the country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, “spends more time on entertainment cultural activities and other events than establishing and working on economic development”.

Government formally commence operations towards the end of January after the King dispersed emaButfo, a few days later, most civil servants work from 8am to 1pm as in the afternoon, they rehearse and prepare songs for Buganu Ceremony held between February and March.

Thereafter, the country hosts the Good Friday Services and King’s Birthday, Government operations will then commence smoothly from May, June and July.

In August, the King hosts uMhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony, however, this event complements the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) which is relevant to economic growth and development.

After the uMhlanga Reed Dance, Government will operate from September, October and then towards the end of November, the Little Incwala “begins” and most civil servants will leave Government Offices for royal duties.

The country is currently struggling to be economically independent or stable, it relies heavily on foreign donations to fund the collapsing health system and other social programs.

Mthandeni ‘SK’ Manqele graced the Hlane Royal Residence Buganu Ceremony.