Zulu maidens ready for Reed Dance
The KZN Sports, Arts, Culture MEC, Mntomuhle Khawula, said the Siyaya eMhlangeni was an important event in preparing for the annual Reed Dance.
Zulu maidens under the KwaFodo Traditional Authority in the Gugwini area, outside Harding, are ready for the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) to be held in KwaNongoma on September 13 and 14.
Queen Nomsa Fodo said this when she hosted the Siyaya eMhlangeni, the behavioural change programme last Thursday.
She said she were thrilled to host the programme as it was previously hosted by district municipalities.
Ndlunkulu (Queen) Fodo explained that during the behavioural change programme, young Zulu maidens are taught to be proud of themselves, their culture and where they come from.
“Most importantly, we teach young girls how to carry themselves. We want children to remain children, to remain pure so that they can be safe from illnesses. During this programme, we also encourage maidens to not only focus on being virgins, they need to go to school. We urge parents to ensure that these young girls attend school and perform well in their studies. We want our nation to be filled with young, educated Zulu maidens,” she said.
The leader of the KwaFodo Traditional Authority, Inkosi Lucky Mgqigqelwa Fodo, said the programme is also used to teach young boys to refrain from sexual activities.
Meanwhile, the KZN Sports, Arts, Culture MEC, Mntomuhle Khawula, said the Siyaya eMhlangeni was an important event in preparing for the annual Reed Dance.
“The Zulu monarch, King MisuZulu kaZwelithini, announced that the Reed Dance will be held at the new Zulu palace, eMashobeni in Nongoma on September 13 and 14. This is where Zulu maidens from across the province will gather to celebrate Umkhosi Womhlanga,” he said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
