It is all Systems go for 2023 Reed Celebration in Enyokeni and the government is leaving nothing to chance to ensure the safety of the maidens
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, led by MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, in collaboration with the Zulu Royal House under the benevolent reign of King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, is thrilled to unveil the preparations for the forthcoming Umkhosi Womhlanga, the annual Reed Dance Celebration.
This the ceremony will take place at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma this weekend, promising a vibrant and culturally enriching experience for all.
After hosting a resoundingly successful Siyaya eMhlangeni Moral Regeneration Programmes with the support of traditional authorities in different municipalities of the province including iMpofana under uMgungundlovu District Municipality recently, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma under Harry Gwala District, uMuziwabantu LM under Ugu District, King Cetshwayo and Ilembe, the department can confidently announce that the province is ready to host the majestic event.
Last weekend the department and Royal House hosted a resoundingly successful uMkhosi Womhlanga in eMachobeni Royal Palace in Jozini which attracted more than 6000 maidens from uMkhanyakude and neighbouring areas, now all roads leads to eNyokeni Royal Palace kwaNongoma this coming weekend. The department is expecting more than 20 000 maidens to participate in this year’s uMkhosi Womhlanga as local municipalities have also committed additional support with transport and other logistical arrangements.
MEC Mahlaba views this programme as the vehicle that will help the nation in moral regeneration and advancing agenda 2063 of the African Union of creating a continent that peaceful, prosperous and is free of social ills.
Rolling out of temporal Infrastructure including marques and others started on Wednesday with department of transport assisting with organizing reed. Places of accommodation across Zululand are fully booked even neighboring districts like uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo are now getting spillover of guests.
“We would like to request the highest order of discipline to all those who will attend as weapons, un-authorised photography, alcohol, drugs and unroadworthy vehicles will not be allowed”, said MEC Mahlaba.
In as far as safety is concerned, the Department is leaving nothing to chance. Dr Mahlaba concluded by assuring the nation that his department through inter-governmental relations (IGR) is working with all stakeholders especially the security cluster in ensuring a safe event, from routes to eNyokeni Royal Palace and back.
Hundreds of buses earmarked to ferry thousands of maidens from all districts are being inspected for road worthiness since Wednesday by the Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate.
Each inspected bus receives a sticker with all its details including the numberplate, chassis and engine number as proof of roadworthiness. The buses will also be checked before entering the eNyokeni precinct to ensure they have not been replaced.
Media is invited to attend uMkhosi Womhlanga 2023 scheduled as follows:
Venue: eNyokeni Royal Palace KwaNongoma under Zululand.
Date: 09 September 2023
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Mr Thabo Mofokeng
(Director Communication)
Cell: 082 731 7456
E-mail: mofokeng.thabo@kzndsac.gov.za
Mr Nathi Olifant
(Media Liaison Officer)
Cell: 072 292 2502
