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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Restaurants are found mainly in the larger centres and at hotels. Most serve international cuisine: Greek, Hungarian and Indian food is available. Food stalls in the local markets sell traditional Swazi meat stew and maize meal or stamped mealies and roasted corn on the cob (in season).
There is a good selection of spirits, beers and wines. Traditional Swazi beer can be tasted in rural areas. There are no formal licensing hours.
Nightlife: In the main centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley, there are nightclubs and discos, some with live music and cabaret. The main attraction in Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Hotel. There is also a cinema there.
Shopping: There is a modern shopping complex in Mbabane but local markets are always interesting places to shop. Purchases from craft centres include beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, local gemstone jewellery, wooden and soapstone carvings, calabashes, knobkerries, battleaxes, walking sticks, karosses (animal skin mats), drums, woven cloth and batik and tie-dye, which are often incorporated into traditional Swazi garments. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.
Special Events: Every December or January at a time carefully chosen by astrologers, the Incwala (‘Fruit Ceremony’) takes place. It is a four-day ceremony encompassing the entire nation and culminating in a ritual during which the king eats the first fruit of the new season. The ceremony confers the blessing of their ancestors on the nation’s consumption of these fruits. In August or September, the Umhlanga (‘Reed Dance’) is an event in which young women pay homage to the Queen Mother.
Social Conventions: Traditional ways of life are still strong and Swazi culture in the form of religious music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is normal although more formal wear is customary at the casino and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the headman. He can normally help with customs. Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show – for example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings. Visitors wishing to photograph traditional ceremonies should first contact the Government Information Service, PO Box 338, Mbabane (tel: (40) 42761 or 43251; fax: (40) 43953; e-mail: nhlanhla@realnet.co.sz). Tipping: Ten to 15 per cent of the bill is customary in restaurants and hotels.
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