Alex maidens return from ‘uMkhosi woMhlanga’

Thirty-six Zulu maidens from Alexandra along with their three elderly female companions returned safely from the annual uMkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance) on 10 September at Enyokeni in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.

This is an annual event of the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu which is meant to encourage young girls to abstain from sexual activity before marriage as a way of helping curb teenage pregnancy and other diseases related to sexual activities.

Leader of the Alex entourage, Busisiwe Hlongwane said the maidens had a wonderful time at Esigodlweni, the palace of the Zulu King, and joined thousands of other maidens who converged on the residence annually to mark the event.

“This is the first time that an all Alex entourage of girls participated. In the previous ceremonies, we have had mixed girls from various centres in Johannesburg but since the formation of the Alex chapter, known as Isigqi seZintombi (Cluster of Maidens) in October last year, we decided to start an all-Alex entourage to participate in this prestigious annual ceremony,” said Hlongwane, who holds the portfolio of publicity and organiser in Isigqi seZintombi.

Secretary of the organisation, Sindi Hlonwane, said the girls forked out their own money to cover the travel costs of the trip, which included food while at the ceremony.

“We would welcome any donations or sponsorship for the annual trip,” she said in a soft appeal for financial assistance in order to sustain the project and give the girls a better future.

Details: Busisiwe Hlongwane 078 908 6307; Sindi Hlongwane 076 075 9028.

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