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AmaZulu King Goodwill Zwelithini over the years has used the event to promote sexual abstinence for young women as part of a strategy to prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS.
FILE: A traditionally dressed Zulu maiden yells as she participates in the mini reed dance (uMkhosi woMhlanga) in the rural Emalangeni district, about 50 miles north of Durban on August 19, 2017. Image: AFP
DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal authorities say they plan to save more than 16 million rand on this year’s Umkhosi woMhlanga festivities.
The annual event is held in celebration of the Zulu maidens.
AmaZulu King Goodwill Zwelithini over the years has used the event to promote sexual abstinence for young women as part of a strategy to prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS.
However, this year’s event, which takes place on Saturday, will focus on the scourge of gender-based violence.
The Reed Festival festivities attract more than 20,000 maidens a year.
But this year’s event will be lowered in accordance with lockdown regulations.
KZN Arts and Culture MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela said: “We are going to have 30 maids and we are not going to exceed 50 people according to COVID-19 regulations. His Majesty the King will address the maidens, especially in terms of gender violence. “
Mavimbela said costs had been reduced: “The cane dance budget used to be R17 million. Hopefully we are not going to spend more than 100,000 rand this year. “
Organizers said the event will be streamed live via social media platforms to accommodate those who cannot physically attend.
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