Celebrating 40 years of the reed dance

Umkhosi Womhlanga (reed dance) took place over the weekend at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma. This year, the reed dance was celebrating 40 years of existence. This event is there to encourage young girls who are virgins to continue keeping themselves pure, as well as prepare them for womanhood. Coming from different towns and cities, these ‘maidens’ gather at the palace, where there is lots of singing and dancing to traditional songs.
Ngipheni Ngcobo, a 73-year-old woman from Pietermaritzburg, stood out as the oldest maiden at the reed dance.
The KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli, as well as ministers, attended the gathering in support of AmaZulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini. The king thanked everyone who graced the 40th anniversary of Umkhosi Womhlanga celebrations. He also acknowledged all the dignitaries, including monarchs from across the country and the continent, who came to witness the ceremony.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.