Princess visits Maphumulo council ahead of reed dance

Throngs of people from the Maphumulo Traditional Council descended on the Itshehlophe Royal Residence to welcome King Goodwill Zwelithini’s daughter Princess Mukelile Zulu of Linduzulu Palace.

Hundreds of maidens attended the annual Zikode Maiden Festival on Sunday, 20 August at the royal palace, where the council under the leadership of Inkosi Nathi Maphumulo, slaughtered two bulls in appreciation of young girls remaining virgins.

The same girls will attend the annual reed dance at Nyokeni in Nongoma next month.

Princess Mukelile Zulu encouraged the girls to remain pure as they are the future of the Zulu nation. She said His Majesty will be more than happy to hear about the upholding of culture within the Maphumulo nation.

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She later taught the maidens how to behave at the upcoming reed dance.

Also in attendance was the managing director of a Cato Ridge company called Shu Powders, as well as Michael Oehlers and his delegation who spoke of a company soon to be opened at eZimbokodweni. He promised sponsorship for the upcoming event.

eThekwini Municipality’s Jabu Thwala applauded Inkosi Maphumulo for his initiative and promised active participation in the future.

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Colonel Thembeka Mbhele of SAPS warned the girls about the dangers of human trafficking.

“This colourful event was also symbolised by various cultural dances and the reciting of Zulu hymns by amabutho,” said Inkosi Maphumulo PRO, Nonhlanhla Jele. Inkosi Maphumulo presented a bull and a sheep to be handed over to His Majesty in appreciation for sending his daughter to the event.

Inkosi thanked his nation for their support during challenges and said the princess’ visit will go down in the history books of his clan.