Issued: 5 October 2025
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders Congratulates HRH Chief Sisitwako II on the Successful Esandleni Royal Kraal Inaugural Ummemo Ceremony
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders (AYIL) proudly extends heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Highness Chief Sisitwako II, the Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson of Afrikan Indigenous Leaders, on the successful hosting of the Esandleni Royal Kraal Inaugural Ummemo Ceremony held in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on Saturday, 27 September 2025.
This momentous occasion marked the first Ummemo since His Royal Highness was blessed by Their Majesties King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Ndlovukazi in 2022, and formally acknowledged by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government through the granting of a certificate of recognition in 2024. The ceremony, held under the guidance of Eswatini’s royal traditions, stands as a milestone in the restoration and celebration of cultural identity among the people of Esandleni.
His Majesty King Mswati III, represented by Mr. Phetsa Dlamini, a member of the Border Restoration Committee, delivered a royal message applauding Chief Sisitwako II for his unwavering patriotism and devotion to the Eswatini nation despite residing in South Africa. His Majesty commended the Chief for consistently upholding the values, customs, and spirit of Eswatini through his participation in national and cultural events, ensuring that the people of Esandleni remain deeply rooted in their heritage.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests and dignitaries, among them Prince Bukhosi, Director of Tradition and Culture Coordination in the King’s Office, who led the Libutfo regiments from Eswatini; Mr. Almon Mbingo, Ms. Lobuhle Magongo, and Princess Phumelele, member of Liqoqo; Inkosi Themba Yende, Deputy Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (MPHTKL); Prince Bizwekhaya of the Zulu Nation; and Inkosi Mnisi from KaDuma. Their collective presence symbolized unity among traditional leadership structures and reaffirmed the deep bonds of kinship between the peoples of Eswatini and South Africa.
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders commends HRH Chief Sisitwako II for his profound dedication to the preservation of indigenous culture, his leadership in strengthening traditional institutions, and his commitment to community upliftment through education and youth empowerment. His call for young people to engage in income-generating projects such as farming reflects a visionary approach to sustainable development rooted in indigenous values and self-reliance.
As Provincial Chairperson of Afrikan Indigenous Leaders in Mpumalanga, His Royal Highness continues to embody the mission of AYIL—to restore, protect, and advance indigenous leadership institutions as the cornerstone of Africa’s unity, dignity, and progress. His leadership promotes the moral regeneration of society while fostering inter-traditional harmony and cultural resilience across borders.
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders celebrates this remarkable achievement as a symbol of continental solidarity and renewal of cultural identity. The organization remains deeply inspired by HRH Chief Sisitwako II’s example of integrity, humility, and service to his people.
Bayethe! Wena waPhakathi!
Issued by:
Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam
Founder and Global President – Afrikan Indigenous Leaders (AYIL)
Lead Facilitator – C20 Working Group on Cultural Diversity Recognition and Embracement
Global Ambassador – Pan African Leadership Institute (PALI), South Africa
Country Head – Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW Africa SA)
📞 +27 63 881 3666 | ✉ nikiwe.bam84@gmail.com
