MORE than 50 000 maidens from all over the country are expected to grace the KwaN­ yokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma this Satur­ day, to take part in the annual reed dance. The reed dance known as Umkhosi Womh­ langa has been taking place for the past 28 years, in a bid to educate young girls about the importance of preserving themselves. Senior Communications and IT manager within KZN Arts and Culture Department Lethukuthula Mtshali said: “This is one of the important ceremonies within the Zulu culture, especially because it is dedicated to the maidens, whom we also consider as the flowers of the nation.” He said reed is a certain type of grass like plant that grows in wet areas or by riv­ er banks. It is very fragile which means it has to be han­ dled with extra care since it breaks easi­ ly. “We use the reed metaphor in referring to the maidens, because they are young and they need to be nurtured in how to embrace their cul­ ture, look after themselves without losing their morals by educating them in the matters that has to do with Hiv/ Aids, teenage preg­ nancies and take pride in being vir­ gins,” said Mtshali. In the picture are some of the young women who partici­ pate in the event.