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Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini is a Swazi princess and politician. She is the eldest daughter of King Mswati III of Eswatini, and is the country's former Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
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In 1993, when the Princess was 6 years old, she participated in her first official Umhlanga Reed Dance to be inaugurated days after the reed cutting during the main ceremony as Chief Maiden to preside over the Tintfombi regiment. Then, in the year 2000, the Princess performed a historic solo performance to a recorded track combining culture with hip hop much to the amusement of the Imbali regiment and the unpleasant surprise for elders. The music was later recorded in its traditional form accompanied by Sibhaca drums, transforming the event forever.
Princess Sikhanyiso's life story is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the betterment of her nation and the empowerment of its people. Her transition into motherhood seems not to have slowed her down as the unveiling of the electrifying Juluka group in the women’s regiment at the Marul Festival plus her boldness and creativity in solo dances stand the test of time. From her cultural roots to her academic and professional achievements, the Princess has consistently strived to be a beacon of light, championing the causes closest to her heart and leaving an indelible mark on the Kingdom of Eswatini.
As the HIV/AIDS crisis was escalating in the country, on 09 September 2001, His Majesty declared a five-year chastity period (Umcwasho) among unmarried maidens in an attempt to curb the surge of HIV/AIDS infections. The Princess in whose honour the rite was held—as leader of the Tintfombi regiment—played a fundamental role. This rite of passage had strict restrictions including that maidens were not supposed to engage in sexual intercourse and were prohibited from consuming certain foods. This initiative was also aligned with the King's efforts to achieve moral regeneration within the Kingdom. The chastity period was subsequently ended on 19 August 2005 marking the birth of the new regiment, Imbali. During this period, a significant decline in HIV/AIDS infections was observed.
