Mass hysteria at Zulu reed dance

Today’s annual reed dance presided over by the Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini got off to a colourful start, but pandemonium broke out later when the maidens appear to have freaked out.

It all started well with the local mayor expressing his pride in the continuation of the decades-old custom

Mayor Buthelezi of Zululand muni: As father am proud to see [reed dance] ceremony representing the values we have as a nation

— carien du plessis (@carienduplessis) September 9, 2017

A Danish delegation surprised the crowd when they performed a traditional Zulu dance.

Danish music group entertaining the crowds with Zulu songs … #ReedDance pic.twitter.com/uPHnLTR1C2

— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) September 9, 2017

A provincial MEC pleaded with young women to reject “blessers”.

MEC tells young women at reed dance not 2 show any interest in blessers, even if they offer money. I hope the men sitting here are listening

— carien du plessis (@carienduplessis) September 9, 2017

It is reported that the maidens abruptly scattered in all directions.

Sudden outbreak of apparent mass hysteria at reed dance as the young women scatter, screaming from field as Shenge speaks. One collapses

— carien du plessis (@carienduplessis) September 9, 2017

But it appears calm was restored

King calmed the commotion. Told boys who apparently got into the reed dance crowd to “stop fingering” the young women and cause commotion

— carien du plessis (@carienduplessis) September 9, 2017

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