As the days for one of the celebrated festival uMkhosi woMhlanga (Royal Reed Festival) are drawing nearer, the Department of Arts and Culture would like to inform you that everything is going according to the initial plans. We are excited by the number of the maidens who has shown interest in taking part in this year’s festival; it’s overwhelming to see maidens from other provinces embracing this initiative.
“As part of the festival we have set up educational programmes for the youngsters to enlighten them about matters of life. Especially to make them aware about human trafficking, this has dominated not only the international countries but it’s also happening in South Africa. The use of substances, the dangers that transpires while using social networks and HIV/Aids! They need to know that not everyone you get to chat/engage with or you meet have their best interest at heart,” says Lethukuthula Mtshali, Senior Communications & IT Manager of the department.
Transportation will be provided in terms of buses and mini buses (taxis) and will be check for roadworthiness by the Road Traffic Inspectors (RTI). The uMzinyathi, uThukela, Amajuba and iLembe district municipalities has also organised additional transport. All the buses will leave the departure points at 13h00 on Friday afternoon.
As this is one of the biggest events, the security will be tight. All cars that are coming in or leaving Enyokeni Palace will be searched. “This year there will be no alcohol permitted within the palace, no dangerous weapons unless authorised, as for the women that will be attending the festival no pants will be allowed,” says Prince Thulani Zulu official spokesperson of the Royal House.
The department will be working together with Department of Health and Environmental Affairs to make sure that the venue is clean before and after the festival.
All maidens who will be taking part in the festival have registered and for those who are under the age of 21 their parents/ guardians have signed the indemnity forms.
Lethukuthula Mtshali
Cell: 081 037 8321
