Gugu Mhlongo
Photo: MEC for Sports, Arts and culture, Mntomuhle Khawula
Source: KwaZulu-Natal, Office of the Premier
SHEILA MHLONGO
(Translated by Gugu Mhlongo)
The Kingdom of KwaZulu, celebrated its 40th Annual Umkhosi Womhlanga, Reed Dance at the eNyokeni royal palace at KwaNongoma on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial governent officials were in attendance including, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli and MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula.
As part of encouraging young girls to preserve their virginity. This years reed dance afforded the pure maidens with opportunities for skills development. This would empower them to be able to uplift their communities and to spearhead matters affecting the youth.
The reed dance was founded by the late King Zwelithini Ka Bhekuzulu, alongside the late Queen Mantfombi Ka Sobhuza. As part of celebrating our heritage and educating young girls on the benefits of keeping their innocence. Such as not being exposed to sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Not partaking in sexual activity before marriage that lead to unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. The reed dance was again revived in 1984, and it has since grown from being attended by just 500 maidens to 35,000 maidens in the recent years.
Speaking at the reed dance celebration, King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini said that, “regardless of our cultural differences, we need to fight to unite as a people.” Premier, Thami Ntuli promised King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini, that as local government, he would ensure the fight against issues affecting the progress of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Including the growing crime rate, killings of Chieves and gender-based violence.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the maidens present here today, along with their families for helping us to preserve our heritage. You being here today shows the kind of backgrounds you all come from. It shows that you are raised by heroes and heroins.” “As local government, we want to pledge our support for the reed dance for years to come. Today we are celebrating the 40th Annual Reed Dance. We will promote the Reed Dance and ensure that it goes on for another 40 years to come.” Added Ntuli.