THE KwaZulu-Natal Arts and Culture Department will be working with various law enforcement agencies, including the police, Road Traffic Inspectorate and provincial Liquor Board, to search incoming vehicles at the weekend’s uMkhosi woMhlanga (reed festival) to ensure alcohol is not brought into eNyokeni Royal Palace grounds.
The area the maidens will be kept during the festival has also been fenced off and security marshals have been appointed to look after the girls for the duration of the festival.
The department has arranged 175 buses to transport the maidens, while several municipalities will also assist in this regard.
They have been advised to carry out thorough inspections to ensure the road worthiness of vehicles.
Today marks a year since the tragic accident on the R66 in the Nkwalini area that claimed the lives of nine maidens and two adults.
The registration process of all maidens has already taken place and all those under the age of 21 have had their indemnity forms signed by parents or guardians.
Gauteng is expected to send maidens from that province using 13 buses and 17 taxis. Twenty-two buses are expected from Mpumalanga.
To celebrate 30 years since the reed festival was revived by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, maidens will present their reeds Friday.
His Majesty will then deliver his address on Saturday.
‘Government views the festival as one of the many instruments that help address social ills such as teenage pregnancy in the province.
‘uMkhosi woMhlanga entrenches a sense of culture among KZN’s young people, making them appreciate who they are and where they come from,’ said MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha.
