Safety a priority for Reed Dance

THE KZN Department of Arts and Culture is taking no chances with the transport of maidens to this weekend’s Reed Dance.

This follows a tragic accident in 2013 and another last weekend in Swaziland which saw 65 maidens lose their lives.

The Department has, in partnership with various municipalities across the province, arranged for 209 buses and 26 taxis to transport maidens to the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.

The Department has strongly advised municipalities and stakeholders assisting with the transportation to conduct road worthiness inspections on the vehicles prior to the event as well as the verification of PDP’s and vetting of drivers’ records.

CoU Speaker Cllr MW Mthenjana inspecting the Reed Dance buses before they depart for Nongoma @ZOPublications pic.twitter.com/kDdZXlSBl4

— uMhlathuze (@UmhlathuzeM) September 3, 2015

Districts that have organised their own transport have been advised to follow the same instruction.

Non-schooling maidens will begin presenting their reeds to His Majesty, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, on Friday and the rest of the girls on the Saturday.

King Zwelithini will deliver his main address on Saturday.

All girls under the age of 21 must have submitted a signed indemnity form and a strong police presence is expected to ensure the safety of the maidens.

The girls’ sleeping quarters will be fenced off and security marshals under the leadership of the Royal Household are to look after the girls throughout the ceremony.

Numerous law enforcement agencies such as the KZN Liquor Board and Road Traffic Inspectorate are on board to inspect incoming vehicles.

Alcohol is not allowed into the venue.

Authorities will also be conducting random roadside breathalyzer tests.

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