Eva Deschamps / September 16, 2022
Thousands of young girls are to dance on Saturday before the king of the Zulus, the traditional leader of South Africa's largest ethnic group, in a rite that once allowed the ruler to choose his wives.
Interrupted for a time because of the Covid pandemic, the "reed dance" is normally held every year in September, which marks the beginning of spring in the southern African country. Legend has it that if the girl is not a true virgin, the reed will not stay erect to the sky. "I can't wait for this weekend, I'm so excited, it's been a long time since we've all been together," says Thembalami Dumakade, 23.
The ceremony is to take place in the hills of KwaZulu-Natal, a southeastern province open to the Indian Ocean, in one of the palaces of the small town of Nongoma, stronghold of the Zulu royal family. King MisuZulu Zulu, 47, was crowned according to tradition last month after the death of his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who ruled for 50 years. Huge crowds gathered in the cradle of the Zulu nation to celebrate the man who now officially bears the name of his predecessor and is referred to as MusiZulu kwaZwelithini.
The country has 11 million Zulus, almost one in five South Africans. In this young democracy with eleven official languages, traditional rulers and chiefs are constitutionally recognized. They are kings without executive power, but they have great moral authority and are deeply respected.
Before the dance, the girls will be examined. "The girls participate in the virginity tests if they wish, it is their body. Those who say our traditions are outdated are entitled to their opinion," says Dr. Nomagugu Ngobese, reached by phone, who will conduct the tests. But "it's part of our culture, we don't need anyone's opinion.
The centuries-old tradition is controversial. Rights advocates believe that virginity tests are an invasion of privacy and a degrading act for young girls. The "reed dance" was abolished for a time but reinstated by Goodwill Zwelithini in 1984. Traditionally, this presentation was the occasion for the king to choose a new wife. Today, this rule is no longer automatically applied by a sovereign whose legitimacy is otherwise contested.
For more than a year, a dispute over the succession to the throne has plagued the palace. King MisuZulu kwaZwelithini was born to the favourite and third wife of former ruler Goodwill Zwelithini. The first wife challenged the succession in court, and the court rejected her claim. The late king's eldest son, Prince Simakade, born out of wedlock, filed an emergency appeal this week, claiming to be the legitimate heir.
Goodwill Zwelithini's brothers have also claimed the throne for another candidate they have chosen. "They can claim to be king, but there is only one," said royal family spokesman Prince Thulani Zulu. The ceremony on Saturday "will be normal, and we will welcome girls from all over the country," he said.
Security in Nongoma was tightened as threats were reported by local media: opponents of the crowned king, recognized by President Cyril Ramaphosa, predicted a "bloodbath" if the "reed dance" was held. Misuzulu kwaZwelithini, whose name means "strengthening the zulu people", promised at his coronation to "unify the zulu nation". He did not address the palace disputes.