Zulu Queen urges maidens to uphold dignity ahead of reed dance
The Zulu Queen Sihle kaMdluli, the fourth wife of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has urged young maidens to behave with dignity in public, warning that poor behavior can damage their reputation and social standing.
Queen kaMdluli, of the Mashobeni Royal Palace, addressed maidens from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality over the weekend in preparation for this year’s Umkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance).
“You must be a good example and maintain a respectable dignity in how you conduct yourselves in public. It is vital that, as a maiden, you carry yourself with pride. I say this because I have walked this path myself, through all the stages of being a maiden,” Queen kaMdluli said.
The Queen addressed the maidens in isiSwati, and many attendees noted they were deeply moved to hear her speak publicly for the first time.
This year’s Reed Dance is scheduled to take place on 13 September at the Mashobeni Royal Palace.
Queen kaMdluli, who is also widely known as Queen Mawewe, previously addressed maidens in the City of eThekwini a few weeks ago.
She joins other queens within the royal house who are preparing maidens across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng for the upcoming ceremony.
This follows King Misuzulu’s official announcement of the event dates.
Other royal figures involved include Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela of the KwaNkomonye Royal Palace, Queen Masesi kaMyeni of the Mashobeni Royal Palace, and their mother-in-law, Queen Thandi maNdlovu of the Linduzulu Royal Palace.
