For the first time in over four decades, the AmaZulu nation’s annual Reed Dance, known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, is being staged at a new venue — the eMashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini confirmed the shift from the traditional venue at eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, where the late King Goodwill Zwelithini revived the ceremony in 1986 to promote cultural preservation.
Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the AmaZulu king, said preparations were complete for the maiden reed dance at eMashobeni. “It’s all systems go,” he noted, adding that thousands of Zulu maidens are expected to attend the two-day ceremony.
The event, attended by the King himself, honours the beauty, purity, and cultural pride of the maidens, while also reinforcing the values of womanhood and moral regeneration.
Many young participants expressed excitement ahead of the event. One maiden explained:
“First and foremost, it teaches us to respect our bodies, so it taught me many things about being a Zulu lady, to know my culture and how to handle myself.”
Another added:
“The reed dance is important for me, it’s a sisterhood amongst us young maidens who have chosen to remain pure, it’s a decision I made. Apart from abstaining from sex, we are also taught about life, how to conduct ourselves as young women.”
The new venue has also brought a significant boost to the local economy. Pongola Mayor Bhekinkosi Thwala highlighted how the influx of visitors has benefitted small businesses.
“We do not take it lightly that this will contribute greatly to our local economy. Our accommodation establishments and restaurants are full to capacity, and the public transport and vendors are also trading,” he said.
“Umkhosi Womhlanga will support us to unlock our potential in terms of growing our local economy, the restoration of moral regeneration, strengthening of our culture and celebration of womanhood.”
Meanwhile, King Misuzulu used his address at the opening of the ceremony to caution the media against relying on what he called “unqualified voices” when reporting on Zulu tradition and the royal household.
“It’s difficult to hear someone who has no idea what it’s like to walk in my shoes trying to tell me what to do. You can’t go to school for the job I do — it can’t be taught. If you want to learn about Zulu culture, there are plenty of us you can talk to,” the King said.
He added that he has repeatedly warned broadcasters against hosting analysts he deems misinformed. “I have repeatedly warned the SABC to stop inviting this one individual to speak on matters involving the Zulu royal family, because what he says is nonsense.”
The 2025 reed dance thus marks not only a cultural milestone for the Zulu nation but also a turning point for oPhongolo, as it becomes the new home of one of South Africa’s most iconic traditional ceremonies.
