The Reed Dance Festival, also known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, is celebrating its 40th anniversary since its revival by King Misuzulu’s parents, the late King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu. This year’s event promises to be special, with approximately 40,000 virgins expected to attend. The maidens will present their reeds to King Misuzulu at Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, symbolizing their triumph over temptation and commitment to preserving their virginity.
The three-day event begins on September 13 with the maidens’ arrival, followed by the main event on September 14, and a goodbye ceremony on September 15. Zulu royal house spokesman Prince Simphiwe Zulu stated, “The king has announced that because of this celebration, he wishes all school pupils in KZN to wear traditional clothes and sing traditional songs on Friday, 13 September, even those who will not be able to attend the festival on Saturday, to celebrate this milestone.”
Prince Zulu added, “This year’s festival is big as many international delegates, including kings, have confirmed their attendance to celebrate with us.” The event will include a prayer for safety and a tree-planting ceremony to mark the occasion. The Zulu royal house is proud of the festival’s growth, preservation of Zulu culture, and protection of young girls from sex before marriage. A pre-event was held at Emachobeni Royal Palace in Ingwavuma on September 7, attended by close to 7,000 maidens.
