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King Goodwill Zwelithini

Durban — Zulu maidens from the Ilembe District Municipality, who will be participating in the annual Reed Dance next month, have been told to take King Goodwill Zwelithini’s advice and use it wisely.

“We want them to make us proud when they get there, they must listen to the King’s counsel and advice and use it wisely in the future,” said councillor Thabisile Cele, the chairperson of the Ilembe gender committee.

The maidens – from KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Ndwedwe and KwaMaphumulo — clad in traditional regalia were on Saturday also given well wishes by Queen Sibongile MaDlamini from Khethomthandayo and members of the royal family at the Ngcedomhlophe Sports Ground.

The event named Siyaya Emhlangeni [We are going to the Reed Dance], attended by more than 2,000 maidens, was to bid farewell to maidens preparing to participating the annual Zulu Reed Dance taking place from September 3 until September 6 at the Nyokeni Palace in Nongoma.

“The women were addressed by Queen Sibongile MaDlamini and Princess Sibusisiwe who emphasised the importance of remaining a virgin until marriage. She also warned them about various sexually transmitted diseases that were killing the youth,” said Cele. — Sapa