Zululand businesses flourish as many flock to reed dance

Thousands from around the globe expected

AS THE date for King Goodwill Zwelithini’s reed dance ceremony draws closer, accommodation facilities in Ulundi and Nongoma have been fully booked.

The ceremony, known as uMkhosi Womhlanga, in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, attracts thousands of maidens from South Africa, neighbouring countries and even overseas.

Thousands also travel from across the world to observe the annual Zulu heritage event and festivities, set for September 5 and 6.

Most facilities in

the two towns close to Enyokeni Palace said business had been brisk.

In Ulundi, a spokeswoman for Intibane Lodge said the establishment was fully booked about two weeks ago.

And all rooms at Garden Court hotel had been taken.

Phumzinyawo Lodge manager Muke Dladla said rooms were being reserved since June and some companies had booked for staff and clients.

“The ceremony has proved more popular with people from outside Ulundi. Every year they are coming in big numbers,” said Dladla.

The director of Khula Guest House in Nongoma, Thula Zulu, said the annual ritual had become a massive attraction in his rural town. He said most bookings were from Eastern Cape tourists.

“The streets become crowded with people from outside. We even see people from overseas walking up and down the streets,” Zulu said.

“Umkhosi Womhlanga is a money spinner.”

Bayede! Royal Zulu Signature Selection chief executive Antoinette Vermooten said her five-year-old company would attend the ceremony to promote Zulu culture among international tourists.

“We promote Zulu beadwork, wine, tea and olive oil, all with the Bayede! brand. We have created 820 jobs for rural women,” she said.

It was reported last year that the national Department of Arts and Culture had set aside more than R300 million to upgrade parts of the Enyokeni Palace.

The development includes accommodation, ablutions and showers for the maidens.

However, the spokeswoman for the Nomkhubulwane Culture and Young Development Organisation, Nonkanyiso Conco, said that although she welcomed the development, she did not welcome the concept of showers for maidens.

“It kills the culture. Culturally maidens should take a bath in the river at dawn. No matter how cold it is, the girls must bath in the river.

“We would appreciate it if the king could help us with women security guards to keep men away from the river,” she added.