PHOTOS: Royal Reed Dance
KZN Arts and Culture officials say they will be meeting to discuss how to make security measures for Umkhosi woMahlanga even stricter in coming years.
They have emphasised that the safety of the girls is top priority.
This comes after a 42-year-old man was arrested yesterday for filming maidens with his cellphone while they were bathing.
The suspect, from Nelspruit, will appear in court today facing charges of being in possession of child pornography.
Tens of thousands of maidens decked in their traditional isiZulu attire, flowing beads and izigege, walked with high spirits to King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace at Enyokeni for Umkhosi woMhlanga, the annual Reed Dance.
Tourists from as far as Europe lined up to see the maidens carrying their reeds in Nongoma.
Young girls and women from across KZN presented their reeds, known as Umhlanga, as a symbol of their purity to the King.
20-year-old Snenhlanhla Ngidi is from KwaMashu says she enjoys taking part in the event.
(Above: Snenhlanhla Ngidi at Saturday's Reed Dance)
"Its a nice experience to go through, and it's just nice to be, uziqhenye ngeculture yakho [proud of your culture]. I get more excited because I always go with my mom, so it's a road trip which I think is really fun," she said.
Ngidi says she prides herself on being a virgin despite the pressures of modern society.
"It makes me feel good. I'm happy. I'm proud. Having my family tell me 'Sne what you doing is good' is a great feeling. I'm an example for others," she said.
It's a spirit of pride and excitement that 17-year old Nkosingimele Mbatha is also feeling hundreds of kilometres away in rural Ulundi. She took part in the dance for the first time.
(Above: Nkosingimele Mbatha (left) took part with her friend friend Nomkhosi Mkhize.)
"Seeing other girls talking about it at school, like everyone is doing it. I was the only person not interested in doing it. Being a virgin is the most important thing in life. That's what my mom says to me. They are so excited,especially my mom" she said.
(Above: Ella Pill, from London, also took part in the event. She got tested and joined other maidens in the Reed Dance.)
- Photos and story by Noloyiso Mbalane