Zulu King hits back at Reed Dance critics
Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has hit back at critics of uMkhosi Womhlanga commonly known as the Reed Dance.
The King was speaking at the eNkonyeni Royal Palace last night on day two of the annual event. More than 30 000 maidens participated in the festivities aimed at promoting abstinence. King Goodwill Zwelithini was critical of those who accused the Zulu nation of gender discrimination. He said the women and young girls participating in the reed dance did so voluntarily.
He spoke at length about the Commission for Gender Equality, who earlier this year found that the maiden bursary scheme awarded by the uThukela District Mayor was unconstitutional, sparking a fresh conversation around virginity testing.
He said the same people who criticize the reed dance are silent when young girls are impregnated by older men, which is amongst the societal issues the reed dance aims to tackle. He encouraged the commission to attend the reed dance and observe the proceedings for themselves. The King also spoke against the destruction of property as witnessed at the University of KwaZulu Natal over the last two weeks.
While disciplining the youth he also made a plea to government to avoid making promises that they cannot keep and further to improve communication channels to avoid any potential frustration that arises from poor communication.
(Photo: Khatija Nxedlana)