Hundreds of young maidens ahead of the annual Reed Dance
The ladies partook in an ancient Zulu traditional practice
Jabulani Mkhonza (uThukela District Municipality media spokesperson)
‘Beautiful flowers’ from across the uThukela District gathered in their numbers at the Bergville Sports Complex for a camp as a prelude to the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance), held at Nyokeni Royal Palace KwaNongoma over the first weekend of September.
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These proud young maidens – from Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele and Okhahlamba municipalities, as well as surrounding traditional authorities – were there to learn life lessons related to the correct way of behaving, personal hygiene, education and awareness of social ills.
uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Alfred Duma Deputy Mayor T Hadebe, Okhahlamba First Lady Mrs Ndlangisa and Councillor Sigubudu joined the parade to the hall, dancing with the maidens.
The mayor commended the young ladies for being part of this prestigious occasion.
“We’d like to convey our sincere appreciation and pride for what you are doing. Staying pure will go a long way towards protecting yourselves from contracting sexually transmitted diseases. We wish you all the best in your upcoming journey to Emhlangeni,” said Mayor Mazibuko.
Every spring‚ maidens arrive at the king’s Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma. This year’s Umkhosi Womhlanga‚ facilitated by the KZN Department of Arts & Culture and the Zulu Royal Household‚ took place from September 6 to 8.
Virginity testing (ukuhlolwa kwezintombi) is an ancient Zulu traditional practice that is regarded as an important rite of passage to womanhood.
It’s a custom the Zulu nation has in common with the Swazis‚ a nation that historians describe as their closest tribal cousins. In both nations‚ only virgins are supposedly allowed to take part in the Umkhosi Womhlanga to ensure that it remains ritually pure.
The idea is that by remaining pure‚ the maidens are safe from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Tests can be conducted randomly at night or very early in the morning before they present reeds to the monarch.
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