Local maidens participate in Reed Dance
The official purpose of the annual ceremony is to preserve a woman's chastity and produce solidarity among the women through working together.
The Izintombi Zothingo Lenkosazane group travelled to Swaziland’s royal residence to participate in the annual traditional chastity rite called Umhlanga or Reed Dance ceremony recently.
According to Ms Sonto Mlambo, leader of the group, five buses from Gert Sibande District crossed the border to take part in the ritual at the Ludzidzini Royal Palace.
The official purpose of the annual ceremony is to preserve a woman’s chastity and produce solidarity among the women through working together.
Placed according to age groups and led by male guards, the girls put reeds together and send them back to the royal residence where they are used to mend holes in the reed fences and buildings.
They dress up in their skirts and beads with their bosom exposed, as customs stipulates.
Holding knives they used to cut the reeds as a symbol of their virginity, they march to the forecourt of the King’s palace where the royal family, guests, tourists and the public are seated.
The Reed Dance ceremony originates from the Umcwasho custom where young girls were placed in age regiments to ensure their virginity.
Once they reached the age of marriage, they would perform labour for the Queen Mother, followed by dancing and a feast.
The maidens displayed culture and tradition as they sang and danced for the King, who is allowed to choose a new wife at the end of the ceremony.
According to Ms Mlambo, there are more than 180 girls in Ermelo alone who do virginity testing.
“The group helps young girls to abstain from sexual activities, protect themselves from diseases and educate them on a culture of waiting for marriage before engaging in sexual acts,” says Ms Mlambo.
She added that they put a lot of work into sex education so the girls are aware and can prevent sexual abuse from predators.
The girls will go back to Ludzidzini Royal Palace for the second leg of the reed dance next week Friday.
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