Thousands of maidens from Harry Gwala District Municipality attended the final leg of Siyaya eMhlangeni event which was held over the weekend at INkosi Bhekuk’phiwa Primary School in KwaNokweja area.
In attendance was the District Mayor Cllr. Z.D Nxumalo, Head of Department for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Art and Culture Dr. Thobile Sifunda, Amakhosi under the Harry Gwala District, the host iNkosi MSI Zulu. Other stakeholders included the Department of Health, Social Development, SAPS, Local Municipalities and other stakeholders.
Mayor Nxumalo delivering his message of support said he was proud of the maidens and that they should ensure that they continue with good behavior, and to make sure that they make education fashionable.
“We support your good behavior; we also want our maidens to be educated and to ensure that you have a successful future. We say no to ‘sugar daddies’, and we say no to drugs,” said Mayor Nxumalo.
The host iNkosi Zulu pledge with government to support such initiative and that maidens have enough food for such events.
“This event is growing each year, and we need more support to make sure it is successful. The government has been supporting us and now we pledge more resources towards this event so that our maidens are taken care of properly,” said INkosi Zulu.
Maidens from all Local Municipalities including UMzimkhulu, Greater Kokstad, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Ubuhlebezwe took part in the Siyaya eMhlangeni event.
Maidens dressed in traditional wear proudly sang for those who attended.
During the events those who are taking care of them called Onomehlo, made sure they get lessons on how to behavior especially as there would be attending uMkhosi Womhlanga soon.
One of the maidens Siphesihle Mjoli, said she was proud of herself and being part of this event makes her see that she did the right thing by keeping her virginity.
ISSUED BY HARRY GWALA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.
039 834 8700
