The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Zulu Royal Household, is set to host the annual uMkhosi woMhlanga in Nongoma on 5 and 6 September 2015. Districts across the province have started holding build-up activities leading to the main event.
Girls from across KZN, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Swaziland arrive in Zululand for the traditional festivities which represent an important rite of passage. Maidens who attend the event are schooled about the transition to womanhood, remaining celibate until marriage as well as respect for one's body.
The gathering is also an opportunity to discuss contemporary social issues that affect the girls such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, especially in a country with such a high HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The department has teamed up with the provincial Education and Health Departments to offer career guidance through exhibitions, personal hygiene tips and mobile health screening units during the event. We are also working with a number of municipalities to arrange transport to and from the venue for the maidens.
Media is advised to RSVP using an accreditation form that can be found on the department website under the forms tab, on or before the 31st of August 2015.
For more information contact:
Lethukuthula Mtshali
Cell: 081 037 8321
Prince Thulani
Cell: 082 040 6610 / 073 516 9750
