Durban - The 20th edition of the Umkhosi Woselwa (First Fruit) ceremony had a twist this year - only circumcised men participated in the ritual bull killing.
About 10 000 circumcised males from all districts in KwaZulu-Natal attended the annual ceremony on Saturday, which took place at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
This year's event marks 20 years since the ceremony was revived by King Goodwill Zwelithini and a year since the introduction of the male medical circumcision in the province.
The king focuses on male medical circumcision as part of his efforts to address the severity of the HIV and Aids issue that affects the province.
The ceremony featured educational programmes by different government departments and the South African National Defence Force.
Zwelithini once again urged the young men to live responsibility and continue the fight against HIV and Aids, poverty, drugs and alcoholism.
KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize joined in the song and dance that was led by Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The ceremony was preceded by a cultural tour to Amakhosi areas of KwaSokhulu, Obuka and Kwayanguye to perform rituals, retracing the footsteps of forefathers who participated in the ritual ever since the tradition was introduced by the Zulu nation.
This year's tour started on November 20 and ended on the 25th, while the second phase took place from the 15th until 19th December 2010.
