Witness the vibrant cultural celebration of the Zulu Nation - Umkhosi woMhlanga
A colourful festival of deep cultural significance to the Zulu people will be played out again in September, larger than ever. The Royal Reed Dance (Umkhosi Womhlanga) traditionally celebrates, through the purity of thousands of maidens dancing for their King, the moral values of the Zulu nation and the people’s unity with their monarch. 2006 saw 25’000 maidens participating in the traditional dance, and there were close to 30’000 to expected in 2007. The ceremony is at eNyokeni, the Royal Residence outside Nongoma, and it lasts two days.

Increasingly, its emphasis on virginity and purity is an important weapon in the campaign against HIV/Aids. And the spectacle – attended by tens of thousands of people – promises to develop into an important part of the Cultural Tourism that is being developed in the north-east of KwaZulu-Natal; to become a lever of economic upliftment.

The highlight is when traditionally clad maidens form up and march to the Royal Residence, each carrying the traditional reed which signifies purity and virginity. Led by the Chief Princess, each hands over her reed to King Goodwill Zwelithini before joining traditional dances in the arena. The Royal Reed Dance is becoming an add-on to the eMakhosini/Opathe Heritage Park, near Ulundi, which offers both cultural and eco-tourism in the ruggedly magnificent surroundings that forged the Zulu nation; as well as to Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and other battlefields of the Anglo/Zulu War.

Hot Tip! Don't view this occasion as a photo or video opportunity. Two tourists were once arrested for getting snap happy so be considerate and observe respect for the girls' and their cultural traditions.
So, when is the show? Dates are to be confirmed - the festival usually takes place in early September. For more information view KZN Tourism website.