WATCH: Anastasia Fourie shines at Zulu Reed Dance as 30 000 maidens gather in KZN
The uMkhosi Womhlanga is a centuries‑old Zulu custom, revived in the late 20th century, aimed at promoting self‑respect.
Anastasia Fourie, a debutant from Eshowe in KwaZulu‑Natal, captured national attention during the 2026 uMkhosi Womhlanga, or Zulu Reed Dance, held at Emashobeni Royal Palace near uPhongola. Alongside fellow debutant Kelly Kleinbooi from Greytown, Fourie joined approximately 30 000 young maidens participating in the centuries-old Zulu custom aimed at fostering self-respect, community unity, and postponing sexual activity among unmarried women.
Before arriving at the palace, maidens were greeted with prayers, cultural teachings, and encouragement from municipal, traditional, and community leaders. The event, revived in the late 20th century, required maidens to gather reeds from riverbanks and present them to King MisuZulu kaZwelithini as a symbol of their purity. Speaking to reporters, Fourie expressed delight at her participation, stating, "I enjoy really much.
It’s an honour to be here with everyone, and it’s a new experience. I like the Zulu culture and how they celebrate it... It’s good. They must just celebrate their virginity, happy that they still have it." Despite mild debate over her choice of traditional attire, Fourie and Kleinbooi intend to return to the ceremony annually, valuing its cultural significance.
Cautionary remarks were made by Mpiyakhe Buthelezi, spokesperson for the king, urging against the misuse of photographs to disrespect participants or misrepresent the event. The uMkhosi Womhlanga celebrates values like dignity, Ubuntu, respect, and abstinence, reinforcing social cohesion and the positive development of young women, with support from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
