By Celani Sikhakhane
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has announced strict rules for the upcoming Reed Dance, where over 50,000 maidens are gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event’s revival at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.
The rules are intended to keep the maidens safe and respected during the ceremony.
A key rule is that men must stay at least three metres from the maidens. Photographers are also not allowed to take pictures from low angles.
Women attending the event, including tourists and journalists, are not allowed to wear pants, and men cannot enter the palace if they are wearing hats.
Drones are not allowed at the event, and alcohol and guns are banned.
The late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu first introduced these rules after problems at past events, including tourists taking inappropriate photos of the maidens. Some of these photos were used on illegal websites.
There were also past reports of young girls attending the Reed Dance without permission and drinking alcohol.
These girls were not part of official maiden groups, which older women and local leaders closely watched.
KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has disqualified 31 out of 177 buses that were checked this morning.
Duma said these buses were not safe enough to transport maidens to the Reed Dance.
In the past, the Zulu Kingdom has lost many maidens in accidents caused by unsafe buses.
The maidens start arriving on Friday and the event will continue until Sunday afternoon.
International guests from Denmark and Uganda have already arrived for the event.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Source: Supplied
