Thousands of Zulu maidens gathered at the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance Festival) to present their reeds to King Misuzulu at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. This cultural event, which took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, marks the 40th anniversary since it was revived by King Misuzulu’s parents, King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.

The Reed Dance Festival is a significant celebration for the Zulu nation, symbolizing a commitment to preserving virginity and cultural values. Before presenting their reeds to the king, the maidens undergo virginity testing. Those who are confirmed virgins are marked with a white dot on their foreheads, signifying their purity. Leading the group of maidens was Zulu royal princess Zelamile Zulu, who guided the virgins in presenting their reeds to the king.

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Among the attendees were the popular musical duo, the Qwabe Twins, also known as the Q Twins. The twins have participated in the festival on several occasions and were proud to once again present their reeds as a testament to their commitment to Zulu culture and virginity.

Speaking to *Daily Sun*, Virginia Qwabe expressed her pride in attending the event, explaining that presenting their reeds to King Misuzulu was a way to honor their king and show solidarity with the thousands of Zulu maidens who remain virgins. “This is our way of praising the king and letting him know that there are still virgins who follow our cultural practices,” she said.

Her sister, Viggy Qwabe, emphasized the importance of the festival in teaching them about their heritage. “Umkhosi Womhlanga helps us to learn and embrace our culture. We’ve come to realize that many young women draw strength from this event, and it has helped us as well. We’re grateful to be part of this celebration, and we wish a happy 40th anniversary to Umkhosi Womhlanga,” she shared.

This year’s Reed Dance Festival was particularly momentous as it marked four decades since its revival. The cultural event has become a platform not only for preserving virginity but also for empowering young Zulu women. Viggy added that without the event, some young women might not have achieved the level of self-respect and cultural pride they hold today.

King Misuzulu, in his address, encouraged the maidens to continue safeguarding their virginity and assured them that they would have no shortage of suitable partners in the future. “You are the future mothers of this nation. We want to see you thrive, but there’s no need to rush. You were born in a world with men, and you will leave this world with men still in it. There is no hurry,” the king advised.

As the Reed Dance Festival celebrated its 40th year, the spirit of cultural pride and unity was evident among the maidens who attended, with the Qwabe Twins serving as high-profile participants. This year’s festival reaffirmed the significance of the event in promoting Zulu traditions and instilling values in young women across the nation.

The event remains a strong cultural pillar for the Zulu nation, and its influence continues to shape the lives of many young women who proudly follow the traditions of their ancestors.