MORE than 50 000 maidens from all over the country are expected to grace the KwaNyokeni Royal Palace in Non­ goma this Saturday, to take part in the annual reed dance. The reed dance known as Umkhosi Womhlanga has been taking place for the past 28 years, in a bid to educate young girls about the importance of preserving them­ selves. 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. “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 culture, look after themselves without losing their morals by educating them in the matters that have to do with Hiv/Aids, teenage pregnancies and take pride in being virgins,” said Mtshali. Pictured are some of the women who participate in the annual event.