Today thousands of Zulu
maidens head to Enyokeni Royal Palace, kwaNongoma in KwaZulu Natal to
participate in Umkhosi Womhlanga, the royal reed dance.
This annual event takes
place in the month of September, South African Heritage Month. This year is set
to attract 50 000 maidens from across the country.
In order to qualify as participants,
girls have to undergo virginity testing. On the day of the ceremony girls have
to go down to the river to pick their perfect reed. Clothed only in isigege (a front covering in a shape of a
skirt) and accessorised with neck, arms and ankle beads, they then carry the
reed as they match uphill to the royal palace in a procession led by the head
Zulu princess. Upon reaching the king, their safely place their reed. There is
a belief that if the girl’s reed breaks on the way, this signifies impurity.
This however remains just a speculation and superstition.
This ceremony has survived mockery and backlash from
many who view it as an outdated practice, violation of girls and an encouragement
of male chauvinism. Surprisingly it continues to grow every year and even
attracts participants from other cultures and races.
I may be an urban, modern Zulu woman but this is one of
the cultural practises I honour and wish could be preserved for generations to
come. I see this as a colourful celebration of beauty which encourages girls to
preserve their virginity and take pride in it.
As this country is struggling with the AIDS pandemic
and an alarmingly high rate of teenage pregnancies, this is one of the
practises that assist in curbing these challenges.
So long as virginity testing and participation in the
reed dance remain voluntary and freedom of choice remains at the hands of the
girls who partakes in it, I will continue to support this ceremony.
Growing participation and support is a clear indication that culture
still reigns supreme.
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