Royal Reed Dance grows every year: Arts Dept

The KZN Provincial Government has hailed the event as a resounding success.

Around 35 000 maidens came before Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini at his KwaNyokeni Palace.

The event promotes abstinence among young girls.

ALSO READ: PICS: Thousands participate in annual KZN Reed Dance

The Department of Arts and Culture's Lethukuthula Mtshali says the Reed Dance has grown every year.

"The enthusiasm from young maidens is growing as well. It's a good sign when young people are committed to preserving their heritage and culture. It shows that the tradition will grow further. We've seen young ladies who have qualified from universities and are in different tertiary levels who are still keeping practice of this tradition," he said.

Challenging critics yesterday, the Zulu King said the young participants attended the cultural event voluntarily.

He has encouraged Commission for Gender Equality to attend the reed dance and observe the proceedings for themselves.