MEC Ntuthuko Mahlaba Hosts Annual Reed Dance Celebration

MEC Dr. Ntuthuko Mahlaba, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, in collaboration with the Zulu Royal House led by King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, is excited to present the preparations for the upcoming Umkhosi Womhlanga, the annual Reed Dance Celebration. This cultural event will take place at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma this weekend.

The Province is Ready

After the successful Siyaya eMhlangeni Moral Regeneration Programmes, supported by traditional authorities in various municipalities, the department is confident that KwaZulu-Natal is ready to host this year’s event. The recent uMkhosi Womhlanga at the eMachobeni Royal Palace in Jozini had more than 6,000 maidens participating, and the department expects over 20,000 maidens for this weekend’s celebration at eNyokeni Royal Palace. Local municipalities have committed additional support, including transport and other logistics.

The Importance of the Reed Dance Celebration

MEC Mahlaba sees the Reed Dance Celebration as a crucial part of the nation’s moral regeneration and the advancement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to create a peaceful, prosperous continent free of social ills. The department has made significant preparations, including the rolling out of temporary infrastructure with assistance from the Department of Transport.

Strict Rules for Attendees

Accommodations across Zululand and neighboring districts, such as uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo, are fully booked for the event. MEC Mahlaba has requested that all attendees show the highest level of discipline, as weapons, unauthorized photography, alcohol, drugs, and unroadworthy vehicles are not allowed at the event.

Safety Measures

The department is taking extensive safety measures, working with all stakeholders, particularly the security cluster, to ensure a secure event. This collaboration includes inspecting hundreds of buses designated to transport thousands of maidens from all districts. The Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate checks each bus for roadworthiness, providing a sticker with pertinent details as proof. These buses will also be checked before entering the eNyokeni precinct to ensure they have not been replaced.

Media Invitation

The media is invited to attend the uMkhosi Womhlanga 2023, which will take place at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma as follows:

Venue: eNyokeni Royal Palace, KwaNongoma, under Zululand.
Date: 09 September 2023
Time: 09h00

The Reed Dance Celebration is a time-honored tradition that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. It is also an opportunity for young women to display their pride in their culture. With meticulous planning and dedication from both the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and the Zulu Royal House, this year’s event promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees.