Young women and girls attending the 2019 Reed Dance in eNyokeni place KwaNongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal have added their voices to the condemnation of gender-based violence in the country.
They are also concerned about their safety amid the escalation of the problem. The young girls are calling on government to tighten the country’s laws to protect women and children.
“As women, we are constantly living in fear. We are now scared of men including our own relatives. They are the ones abusing and killing women and children. We are seriously not safe. We want government to tighten our laws and also add a number of police in order to protect us.”
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has also called for the protection of women and children. He has spoken out against the abuse of women and children by people who are supposed to protect them.
The maidens have also expressed pride in the Reed Dance.
“We are very proud of Reed Dance. It helps us as we grow up with a purpose in life and protected from sexual transmitted diseases,” says one of the maidens.
Maidens from different parts of the province, Mpumalanga, Gauteng provinces and neighbouring countries, including Swaziland, are attending the annual Reed Dance or Umkhosi Womhlanga this weekend.
The King has also addressed the maidens.
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