Dignitaries from across government and traditional leadership who descended on uMkhanyakude District Municipality for the annual uMhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony, where thousands of maidens handed over their reeds to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at eMachobeni Royal Palace last weekend were left mesmerized by the proceedings and the beauty of ceremony.
Among the dignitaries, welcomed by uMkhanyakude District Mayor, Cllr Siphile Mdaka were Minister in the Presidency for Women's, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities, Hon Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, ANC Second Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Hon Pinky Sharon Kekana, KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Hon Mntomuhle Khawula, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Hon Thembeni Madlopha Mthethwa and KZN Legislature Speaker, Hon Blessed Gwala. Chairperson for KZN Provincial House for Traditional Leaders iNkosi S Shinga, were among other esteemed guest who graced the event.
The ceremony remains a cornerstone of cultural preservation, celebrating the purity, pride and dignity of the Zulu maiden and the entire nation.
