Africa-Press – Eswatini. This is what Imbali Indvuna Nonduduzo ‘Zuzu’ Zubuko told Imbali from Royal Eswatini Police Service upon arrival for registration for this year’s Annual Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday. The Reed Dance Ceremony is a seven-day annual event, where young girls are afforded an opportunity to celebrate their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire nation. By leading by example, Zubuko meant that the regiment was not expected to imbibe alcohol, wear pants, and use vulgar language during the course of the event. She also warned the maidens against stealing from each other.
Artificial
“As you know, artificial hair and make-up is not allowed here. Loitering is strictly prohibited. Police officers will make sure that they fetch you whenever you are found at undesignated areas during the course of the event,” Zubuko warned. She also urged tindvuna to mark a roll call register to ensure that maidens were present and safe at all times. Zubuko urged the maidens to communicate to tindvuna whenever they were not feeling well, so that they could be taken care of. The maidens arrived for registration in a jovial mood at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. They were singing and dancing as they moved towards the registration point. They were urged to assemble at Ludzidzini Royal Residence at 7am today in readiness for the march to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they would be commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III to fetch the reed.
The Reed Dance is one of the African cultures aimed at encouraging young girls to preserve their purity until their allotted time for marriage. Some African countries value preservation of virginity so much that they reward girls who keep it until their allotted time for marriage. They also punish those who exploit young girls. The young girls will proceed to fetch the reed tomorrow. On Friday, they will bring the reed back to Ludzidzini Royal Residence. On Saturday, they will relax, pending delivery of the reed before Their Majesties on Sunday. Monday will be the main day, where the young girls will showcase their dance skills while they celebrating their chastity before Their Majesties. The maidens will be part of the 55/55 Double Celebration at Somhlolo National Stadium on September 6, 2023.
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