By Celani Sikhakhane
Some universities in KwaZulu-Natal made special arrangements for their students, who are maidens, to attend the 40th anniversary of the Reed Dance in Nongoma.
Many maidens from Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) travelled to the eNyokeni Royal Palace in buses provided by their universities.
Noziphiwo Gcumisa, who leads the maidens in Durban, said the universities made these arrangements so students could return in time to complete their assignments.
“In fact, most universities in KZN are very decolonised, so we no longer need to ask for students to join the Reed Dance activities. As we speak, both DUT and MUT fully paid for buses to transport their maiden students to the Reed Dance. We are getting a lot of support from our universities to help keep our culture alive,” Gcumisa said.
She also said parents of these students don’t need to worry because their children are cared for by the women who conduct virginity testing.
The students returned to Durban after presenting their reeds to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on Saturday, as they had to continue with their studies.
About 300 maidens attended the Reed Dance on Saturday.
Pictured above: Maidens from DUT and MUT dancing in Ulundi on their way to the Reed Dance in Nongoma.
Source: Celani Sikhakhane
