Qwabe Twins Proudly Uphold Their Zulu Heritage at Umkhosi Womhlanga, Celebrating 40 Years of the Reed Dance Festival

The Reed Dance Festival (Umkhosi Womhlanga), one of South Africa’s most cherished cultural events, continues to shine as a celebration of Zulu heritage, purity, and tradition.

This year, the festival took on even greater significance, marking 40 years since its revival by the late King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.

Thousands of young Zulu maidens gathered at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, to present their reeds to King Misuzulu in a symbolic gesture of their virginity and cultural pride.

Among the attendees were the Qwabe Twins, South Africa’s beloved musicians and proud Zulu maidens, who once again took part in this time-honored tradition, highlighting their commitment to their culture and values.

A Cultural Milestone: 40 Years of Umkhosi Womhlanga

The Reed Dance Festival, steeped in history and significance, serves as a platform for young Zulu women to demonstrate their commitment to preserving their virginity and celebrating their cultural identity. The festival was reintroduced in 1984 by King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi as a way to promote the values of chastity and respect among young women.

This year’s festival, held on 14 September 2024, saw thousands of maidens proudly presenting their reeds to King Misuzulu, the reigning Zulu monarch. The event was marked not only by its cultural importance but by the enthusiasm of the participants, eager to uphold the values and traditions passed down through generations.

Before the young women present their reeds to the king, they undergo virginity testing, a practice that continues to be both a cultural and controversial topic. Once their virginity is confirmed, a white dot is placed on their foreheads as a mark of purity. This year, the festival was led by Zulu royal princess Zelamile Zulu, adding a sense of regal pride and cultural continuity to the occasion.

Qwabe Twins: A Symbol of Cultural Pride

The Qwabe Twins, known for their musical talent and deep-rooted connection to their Zulu heritage, have long been supporters and participants in Umkhosi Womhlanga. Virginia and Viggy Qwabe, the twins who rose to fame through their performances on Idols South Africa, have used their platform to advocate for cultural pride and tradition. This year, they once again stood alongside thousands of other Zulu maidens to present their reeds to King Misuzulu.

In an interview, Virginia Qwabe expressed her pride in participating in the Reed Dance Festival, stating, “Presenting our reeds to the king is a way to praise him and show that we are among the many Zulu virgins who still hold to their values.” The twins emphasized the importance of preserving one’s virginity, not just as a cultural practice, but as a personal choice that reflects their dedication to their Zulu heritage.

Viggy Qwabe echoed her sister’s sentiments, noting that participating in the festival was a reaffirmation of their commitment to their cultural roots. “Umkhosi Womhlanga allows us to reconnect with our Zulu culture and to learn more about our traditions,” she said. “It’s a festival that empowers young women and helps them remain steadfast in their values. We’re grateful for this event and proud to be part of its 40-year legacy.”

King Misuzulu’s Message to the Maidens: ‘Don’t Rush for Men’

At the heart of this year’s festival was a message from King Misuzulu, who addressed the maidens with words of encouragement and wisdom. The king, who has been a vocal advocate for the preservation of Zulu culture and values, urged the young women to cherish their virginity and resist the pressures of rushing into relationships.

“You are the future mothers of our nation,” the king told the maidens. “We want to see you succeed and help take the nation forward. Don’t rush for men; you will not run out of men. They were here before you were born, and they will still be here when you leave. Take your time and take care of yourselves.”

King Misuzulu’s words resonated with many of the young women in attendance, who viewed the Reed Dance Festival as not only a celebration of their cultural identity but also a platform for personal empowerment. His message underscored the importance of self-respect and patience, qualities that the festival aims to instill in its participants.

The Legacy of Umkhosi Womhlanga: A Festival of Empowerment

For many young Zulu women, the Reed Dance Festival is more than just a cultural event—it’s a celebration of empowerment, education, and self-worth. Over the past four decades, the festival has played a crucial role in promoting these values and encouraging young women to take pride in their heritage.

As the Qwabe Twins pointed out, the festival has had a lasting impact on the lives of many participants. “If it were not for this event, some young women wouldn’t have reached the level they are at,” said Viggy Qwabe. “We are thankful for Umkhosi Womhlanga, and we are happy to see it celebrate 40 years. It has helped so many young women, and we are proud to be part of its legacy.”

Despite the controversy that often surrounds the practice of virginity testing, the festival remains a cherished tradition within the Zulu nation. For participants like the Qwabe Twins, it is a symbol of strength, discipline, and cultural pride.

The Role of Virginity Testing: Tradition vs. Modern Debate

One of the most debated aspects of the Reed Dance Festival is the practice of virginity testing. While it is seen by many as a way to uphold cultural values and promote chastity, critics argue that it infringes on the privacy and autonomy of the young women involved. Virginity testing remains a polarizing topic, with advocates emphasizing its role in preserving tradition, while detractors question its relevance in the modern age.

For the Zulu nation, however, the practice continues to hold deep cultural significance. Participants like the Qwabe Twins view it as a vital part of their identity, a way to demonstrate their commitment to their values and their heritage. “Virginity testing is an important part of the festival,” said Virginia Qwabe. “It helps us remain grounded in our culture and reminds us of the importance of preserving our values.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Umkhosi Womhlanga

As Umkhosi Womhlanga celebrates its 40th anniversary, the future of the festival looks bright. With support from the Zulu royal family and participants like the Qwabe Twins who proudly uphold their culture, the festival continues to be a beacon of empowerment for young Zulu women.

King Misuzulu’s message of patience and self-respect will undoubtedly continue to resonate with future generations of maidens, who will look to the Reed Dance Festival as a source of inspiration and pride. For the Qwabe Twins and thousands of other participants, the festival is not just a cultural event—it’s a celebration of who they are and the values they hold dear. As they look to the future, they carry with them the legacy of Umkhosi Womhlanga, a tradition that has empowered young women for four decades and will continue to do so for many more.