My day of seeing history and tradition collide at annual Reed Dance – Jayshree Parasuramen

On Saturday, I attended Umhkosi Womhlanga at Enyokeni Royal Palace. 

A long peaceful drive and yet as I observed the rural areas, the countryside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and sadness seeing gogo's and little children fetching water from a tanker on the road. Who knows how far they walked? Still mud huts and some dilapidated houses 28 years into democracy. 

So many thoughts ran through my mind, but that's a story for another day. The many young reed dancers I spoke with expressed their virginal pride and honour in still keeping with their tradition and customs. 

Everyone whom I encountered spoke of their deep love for our new King, his Royal Highness Misuzulu KaZwelithini. When our new King made his appearance, we all celebrated and there were roars of cheers. 

Amongst the many government dignitaries and heads of municipalities, I spoke to Councillor Skhumbuzo Mlibeni from the Harry Gwala District, who coordinated bringing over 300 maidens from his ward. 

He spoke of his excitement and support for our new King and looking forward to seeing what his leadership brings to our future. Thousands from all over SA attended as well as many overseas guests. 

For me, it was the sense of purity and unity in the air. Even though those young, beautiful maidens may have looked to the modern world as partially naked, there wasn't a single person with that in mind. What I saw were thousands of virgins in their elegance; it all seemed so acceptable and normal to see them in their beautiful traditional attire. 

I am so tempted to attend the next Reed Dance confidently, wearing such traditional attire. If you understand history and tradition, then you will realise that this was a sacred day where children and young women boldly came out to express pride in being virgins. 

There wasn't a single man or woman at the ceremony who did not show their respect and deference to these maidens. 

Their pride was not theirs alone but all of ours who attended, they were applauded and celebrated. As a woman, I felt the sense of security, safety and honour. Although there was definitely a very high presence of police and other emergency services, they, too were respectful observers.

The atmosphere was unimaginable, and the energy and excitement cannot be described in words, a truly epic experience. 

I must also add there were a few hiccups in regards to some elements of the events coordination. In the past two weeks, the ceremony was postponed from September 10, 2022 to September 17, 2022 with late notification to the media, which created a challenge for accreditation. 

On Friday afternoon Prince Buthelezi, Traditional Prime Minster of the Royal Family, released a statement to clarify that the event was definitely happening despite other rumours. 

However, there was still no information on media accreditation. In spite of this and despite the hurdles, I drove for five hours in my branded vehicle to be identified as media and was allowed in. 

I understand and accept the security protocol, but the lack of media accreditation restricted us from some interviews which were previously confirmed. 

As a media person in support of our new King, I wish that more could have been done to assist us in creating an awareness of our history, heritage and culture, especially for those who could not be present for the wonderful celebration. 

It is a critical aspect of social cohesion that all South Africans be made more knowledgeable about such occasions. I look forward to attending more events at The Royal Palace and I would like express to all South Africans that such historical events are for all those who live in South Africa.

His Royal Highness King Misuzulu KaZwelithini is my King too. May the young energy of our new King who holds the hopes of many, reignite in our country; the purpose, unity, focus, respect, love and dignity that we witnessed within the Royal Palace. He certainly has my support and will continue to have it. 

Long Live Our Precious King!!! 

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