Pretoria - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Zulu Royal Household, is set to host the annual uMkhosi woMhlanga in Nongoma.
The event will be held on 5 and 6 September 2015.
“Girls from across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Swaziland arrive in Zululand for the traditional festivities which represent an important rite of passage,” the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture said.
The department said maidens, who attend the event are schooled about the transition to womanhood, remaining celibate until marriage as well as respect for one's body.
“The gathering is also an opportunity to discuss contemporary social issues that affect the girls such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, especially in a country with such a high HIV and Aids prevalence,” the department said.
The department is working with the provincial education and health departments to offer career guidance through exhibitions, personal hygiene tips and mobile health screening units during the event.
A number of municipalities are also going to arrange transport to and from the venue for the maidens. – SAnews.gov.za
