Celani Sikhakhane
Members of the royal family are afraid that there will be “bloodshed” and confrontations with the so-called royal rebels if King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s reed dance ceremony isn’t called off this weekend.
Concerns have been raised over the safety of the maidens who participate in the annual two-day ceremony at eNyokeni Royal palace on Saturday and Sunday.
Royal family member Prince Mxolisi has written to Premier Nomsa Dube to stop the ceremony or find an alternative venue to avoid a disruption from Prince Simakade and his supporters.
“The eNyokeni Royal palace is the official residence of his majesty King Simakade kaZwelithini. Therefore to have Misuzulu to come with his supporters will be an act of extremely provocative. This may lead to bloodshed and confrontation,” said Prince Mxolisi in a letter to the Premier.
If the venue is changed, it will mark the first time that the reed dance will not have been held at the eNyokeni Royal palace since the ceremony was revived 37 years ago.
The palace was declared by the late King Zwelithini as the national palace for the Zulu nation’s events.
The secretary of the National Freedom Party Secretary General Canaan Mdletshe has called on Police Minister Bheki Cele to beef up police and special units to ensure the maidens’ safety.
On Monday, Premier Dube Ncube said she had responded to the letter but refused to reveal the details.
But Prince Mxolisi told Scrolla.Africa that they have not received any response from her.
