By Celani Sikhakhane
The Reed Dance has helped reduce the spread of HIV/Aids among the Zulu people, but when King Mpande kaSenzangakhona started it in the 1800s, it was intended to protect women from rape and to promote staying pure until marriage.
In 2004, Princess Thembi kaBhekuzulu explained that King Mpande was inspired to start the Reed Dance after he heard that young women used reeds to defend themselves from men who tried to attack them.
“The maidens brought the reeds to the palace, and they were used as a symbol of protection against men who preyed on women. King Mpande decided to have a ceremony to encourage maidens to remain virgins until they were married,” she said at the time.
The Reed Dance tradition was lost after the 1883 Battle of Ondini between the British and the Zulu people.
It wasn’t until 1984 that King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza Dlamini-Zulu revived the Reed Dance. Initially, only daughters of the Zulu royal family attended the ceremony.
Princess Thembi promoted the Reed Dance for many years, earning her a royal award from her brother, King Zwelithini.
On Saturday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini celebrated 40 years since the ceremony was revived.
Pictured above: Zulu maidens at the 40th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
Source:Celani Sikhakhane
