BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane has warned young men attending the Umhlanga Reed Dance to respect the maidens and refrain from viewing the cultural gathering as an opportunity to pursue romantic relationships.
Speaking on today’s Kusile Breakfast Show, Zwane said emajaha and tindvuna attending the ceremony to support the maidens must remember that the event is a cultural occasion and should not be used as an opportunity to ask maidens out or seek girlfriends.
“Respect our maidens, don’t see girlfriends in them,” Zwane said, cautioning young men against behaviour that could compromise the safety and dignity of the Imbali.
She particularly warned young men against taking maidens away from the Umhlanga Reed Dance to the Trade Fair or inviting them for sleepovers, stressing that such conduct could amount to an offence and attract serious legal consequences.
Zwane reminded young men that some maidens may appear more mature than their actual age, but warned that this should never lead them to ignore their age.
She stressed that having sexual relations with a person under the age of 18 is a criminal offence, urging young men to understand and respect the law throughout the Umhlanga period.
The superintendent also assured the nation that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was ready for the major cultural event and would work to ensure the safety of maidens as they attend the ceremony.
She appealed to the nation to cooperate with the police, particularly as large numbers of people are expected to use the roads during the week.
Zwane urged motorists to exercise patience and give way to the Imbali when they are using public roads, saying road users should respect the maidens and allow them to travel safely.
She further reminded maidens to remember and follow the rules and guidance given to them by their respective communities before travelling to Ludzidzini.
As the nation prepares for the Umhlanga Reed Dance, Zwane wished all participants a safe and successful week, urging everyone to uphold respect, discipline and the cultural values associated with the ceremony.
#Umhlanga2026 #RespectOurMaidens #PublicSafety #RoadSafety #Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
