{
  "id": 8666974,
  "title": "Shembe maidens face backlash over topless Reed Dance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/shembe-maidens-face-backlash-over-topless-reed-dance",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-09-20-shembe-maidens-face-backlash-over-topless-reed-dance/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nazareth Baptist Church, known as the Shembe Church, has faced criticism for the participation of young maidens in topless attire during the recent uMkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance) at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Phongolo. Social media erupted with reactions, ranging from shock to condemnation, as participants, who were expected to wear traditional attire including bare breasts, stripped off their clothes during the ceremony. The Reed Dance, a celebration of young women's chastity, traditionally involves maidens adhering to modesty and not walking around naked on the Sabbath. Some critics referenced Book 25 of the church's rules, which stipulate that young virgin women must observe modesty and refrain from walking around naked on the Sabbath. One user named Tamia Bhosula expressed shock after seeing on TikTok that some Shembe virgins who attended the church's maiden ceremony at Mount Ntanda also took part in the Reed Dance, questioning how they could engage in activities that contradicted the Sabbath. Bhosula cited an instance where Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe, the leader of the eBuhleni faction, failed to attend King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's coronation due to it falling on a Sabbath, and he spoke from the pulpit about his decision, stating that he was bound by the Sabbath and could not attend the celebration. She questioned the justification for breaking the Sabbath to attend the Reed Dance. Bhosula argued that even if participants did not consume hot food or drinks during the Reed Dance, they had already violated the Sabbath by being topless on a day of humility and worship. Other supporters, including Sphelele Mpangazitha and Sabatha Mtshali, echoed Bhosula's stance, emphasizing that young female members who remained pure awaited blessings from the church leader after laying down their twigs, marking their vow of virginity. The controversy also sparked discussions about women wearing trousers and artificial hair, with Thokozani Mncwabe, spokesperson for the eBuhleni faction of the Shembe Church, cautioning that while the Reed Dance is open to the entire nation, Shembe virgins attend when possible. Mncwabe stressed that trousers are not permitted in church or the temple, and artificial hair is prohibited in temples. The Shembe Church's rules are closely tied to Zulu culture, permitting polygamy and prohibiting the consumption of hot meals during the Sabbath, pork, and alcohol. The church encourages unmarried young women to observe celibacy.",
  "summary": "Shembe Church members have questioned the participation of young female church members in the Reed Dance in Phongolo, with some arguing that going topless on the Sabbath conflicts with church rules. The eBuhleni faction says the Reed Dance is open to everyone and distinguishes between church rules and members' private lives.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shembe Church criticized maidens' topless Reed Dance participation.",
    "Critics reference church rules on modesty and Sabbath observance.",
    "Leaders like Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe face backlash for attending Reed Dance on Sabbath."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}