The world renowned Royal Reed Dance ceremony, popularly known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The annual ceremony draws thousands of young maidens from across the province; who are expected to gather at his majesty, King Zwelithini’s residence. They then take the reed to him, symbolising their purity. Subsequent to that, the maidens then gather at the nearby field where his majesty the King delivers his keynote speech.
On day two the ceremony is marked by a colourful display of different dances by maidens from different villages in the province.
Preceding the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, this event is set to attract a lot of tourists and media from abroad, who are keen on getting advance information about the South African culture and way of life. Stringent security measures will be in place to ensure the event goes according to plan.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, will attend the ceremony.
Details are as follows:
Date: 12-13 September 2009
Venue: Enyokeni Royal Palace, Kwanongoma
Time: 9h00
All media are invited to attend.
For more information contact:
Vukani Mbhele
Cell: 083 307 89464
Phumzile Phakathi
Cell: 083 307 8944
Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
7 September 2009
