By Amahle Radebe
Durban’s Albert Park came alive on Saturday night as Zulu maidens celebrated as part of their preparations for the upcoming annual Reed Dance ceremony.
Albert Park had a clean up recently as it had become a space that was home to vagrants, drug dealers and addicts in the area. Organisers of this ceremony say such events are a way of reclaiming the city in order to beautify Durban again.
“We have ensured that all the girls who have come to this event are protected, and since we have removed the homeless people the level of crime in this area has decreased,” says organiser, Brighton Shandu.
Shandu is from an organisation called Sibuyisa Isuntu. He says this event is to also honour women who have been victims of Gender based violence (GBV) and the ten people who died in a bus accident as they were returning from the reed dance in 2013.
“This camp aims to give emphasis on the importance of preserving yourself and self-courage,” Shandu explains.
Miss Ndoni 2024/25, Zasembo Mkhize, was also present.
“The camp has been fun, we danced and sang. I hope to see more performances at the Sibuyisa Isintu festival and love among maidens not marginalising each other just because we come from different areas,” says Mkhize.
Refreshments were provided by local councillor, Mzokuthoba Protas Mngonyama.
