Umkhosi womhlanga celebrated a major anniversary at Enyokeni Royal Palace, kwaNongoma on the 14th of September 2024 honoring 40 years since uMkhosi woMhlanga was reintroduced. Umkhosi Womhlanga, also known as the Reed Dance is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates Zulu culture and the purity of young women.
Young women from all over KwaZulu Natal especially Zululand came in their numbers approximately about 300 000 young women proudly called amatshitshi because all the women that attend and participate in Umkhosi Womhlanga are virgins and itshitshi is an isiZulu word for a virgin girl. Some of them hail from the Kingdom of Swaziland as the Zulu’s and the Swati’s have a long standing relationship as a result a delegation of Tshitshi from the Kingdom of Swaziland is always a part of Umkhosi Womhlanga These girls are certified by older women that are called Onomehlo who check and certify that these girls are still virgins. This is done to encourage girls and young women to preserve their virginity until marriage thus preventing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in young girls and women. Young girls are led from their villages by amaqhikiza who are young women who are also still virgins who in Zulu culture are responsible and will be the contact person when a young man is interested and would like to date one of the Tshitshi’s they will first have to speak with iqhikiza and seek permission to pursue the tshitshi in question and iQhikiza will act a chaperon to ensure that the virginity of that young girl stays intact until marriage. Umkhosi Womhlanga is also a celebration of these young women’s effort to preserve their purity. It is also essential in preserving Zulu culture and promoting values such as purity, respect, and tradition. The ceremony also serves as a platform for young women to showcase their pride in their heritage.
Amazinyane (The royal daughters) of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini took center stage as they gracefully led the izintombi into the palace, walking in a symbolic gesture of loyalty and respect as they offered their reeds (uMhlanga) to Bayede King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
As part of the tradition, the izintombi followed the lead and joyfully sang cultural songs and doing traditional dances(ukusina), their footsteps echoed through the palace grounds as they respectfully carried the symbolic reeds (uMhlanga) into the Royal Palace, offering them with dignity.
Adding to the part of celebration, the Amabutho (Zulu warriors) celebrated 40 years of Umkhosi woMhlanga with vibrant performances, showcasing their traditional dances and soul-stirring amahubo (war songs), paying tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu nation.
The King Misuzulu kaZwelithini delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his pride in the young women for embracing their culture and celebrating their purity. The event concluded with traditional dances and music, showcasing the richness of Zulu culture.
