ANCWL KZN ALARMED AT THE REED DANCE ABOLITION CALL

11 October 2013

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) in KwaZulu-Natal has noted with grave concerns the comments attributed to our President, Cde Angie Motshekga, where she is said to have called for the abolition of the annual Reed Dance.

As the ANCWL in this province we are proud and happy with the role that the Reed Dance is playing as it brings back the dignity of young girls and encourages them to preserve their virginity.

This ceremony is part of our culture aimed at encouraging young women to take care of their bodies. At this time where many parents are working and don't have enough time to spend with their daughters, the King's initiative to get maidens together and teach them about life is a step in the right direction. We would also like to commend our provincial government for supporting this initiative by assisting the Royal Household with all necessary logistics.

We were very excited to see, this year, people from as far as Mpumalanga Province and maidens from different race groups taking part in the reed dance.

When we visited the families of the victims of the bus accident with members of the Royal Household, we were very happy to hear young girls saying openly that they would continue participating in the reed dance.

With the alarming rate of young people falling pregnant, we are very happy that there are programmes that are aimed at encouraging young girls to take care of their bodies.

Statement issued by Nonhlanhla Khoza, ANC Women's League KwaZulu-Natal, October 11 2013

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