Eswatini Schools Officially Embrace Traditional Attire as Part of Uniform Policy

New Policy to Promote Cultural Heritage

The Kingdom of Eswatini has officially integrated traditional attire into its school uniform policy, a move confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Training. This landmark decision allows learners in all schools across the country to wear their cultural dress, aiming to instill a stronger sense of national identity and pride among the youth. The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry, Nanikie Mnisi, affirmed the policy, stating that it is an important step in promoting cultural pride.

The initiative encourages students to embrace their heritage beyond annual cultural events, addressing concerns that younger generations are losing touch with their roots. Mnisi highlighted that many African communities take pride in their national dress as symbols of love for their heritage and patriotism.

Implementation and Flexibility

While the standard school uniform will remain in use, the new policy grants schools the flexibility to determine how best to incorporate traditional attire. This could include designating specific days, special occasions, or cultural events for students to wear their cultural dress, provided it aligns with school regulations and maintains a sense of dignity. The Ministry's objective extends beyond cultural promotion to reinforcing discipline, self-respect, and unity among learners.

A formal communication detailing the policy is expected to be dispatched to all schools within the week.

Somnjalose High School Leads the Way

Somnjalose High School has emerged as a pioneer in adopting this policy, having formally introduced traditional attire as part of its school uniform during a recent Speech and Prize Giving Day. The event was attended by the Minister for Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, alongside PS Mnisi.

Starting next year, students at Somnjalose High School will wear the green lihiya as part of their uniform every Friday. The lihiya, a significant piece of Eswatini's traditional clothing, is a plain woven, rectangular cotton fabric often adorned with central motifs and borders.

Significance of Traditional Swati Attire

Traditional attire holds deep cultural significance in Eswatini, with various garments specific to gender, age group, and marital status. Items like the lihiya (plural: emahiya) are worn during important ceremonies such as the Incwala or Umhlanga (reed dance). The integration of these garments into daily school life is seen as a vital mechanism for preserving and transmitting Swati history and culture to future generations, a sentiment echoed by projects like the University of Eswatini's 'Traditional Emahiya attire as a template for preserving Eswatini history and culture'.