King Misuzulu champions children’s rights at Reed Dance ceremony

The DA in KZN has welcomed the progressive stance adopted by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini against the practice of turning young girls into child brides.

While speaking during the Reed Dance ceremony at the eMachobeni Royal Palace in iNgwavuma on Saturday, the king declared that he will never take a bride among the maidens, citing their young age.

DA KZN Leader Francois Rodgers said the king also discouraged women under the age of 16 from entering romantic relationships, and called on all young women who are being harassed by men to report perpetrators to his office.

“The king’s remarks mark a positive contribution to efforts aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of young women and girl children in the province.

“King Misuzulu’s clear opposition to child marriages, a practice that has long affected vulnerable communities, underscores a commitment to modern values and the protection of children’s rights.

“His voice adds tremendous weight to the fight against gender-based violence, and against child marriages and child pregnancies. The king’s voice will help to pave the way for a safer, healthier future for all children, especially young girls, in our province,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers urged community leaders, the government, and all citizens to stand together against child rape, child pregnancy, and child marriage.

“In KZN, we can take guidance from the king to strengthen the ways we can protect the rights and welfare of young girls. We also urge all South Africans to support our national probe into how provincial government departments are fulfilling their obligations under the Children’s Act to ensure men who have sex with young girls can be prosecuted and jailed,” he added.

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