Umdoni maidens departed for Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) with a special send-off ceremony at the Umzinto Town Hall on September 11.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to encourage and inspire the maidens to take pride in their identity and cultural heritage, while upholding the values and traditions associated with being a maiden.

Umdoni’s mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli encouraged the maidens to represent their communities with pride, dignity, discipline and respect throughout their journey.

She further urged them to remain committed to their cultural values, education and personal development, while making positive choices that will contribute to a brighter future.

The municipality supported 240 maidens who travelled to Pongola for the Reed Dance at Makhubeni Palace.

The Reed Dance promotes the preservation of Zulu culture and traditions while encouraging young women to uphold values.

It also supports messages around abstinence and the prevention of teenage pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Umdoni congratulates all 240 maidens for representing the municipality with pride.

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