Reed dance, mourning period, culture in spotlight as Buthelezi passes
University of KwaZulu-Natal academic and cultural expert, Professor Sihawukele Ngubane says the annual reed dance is anticipated to continue as preparations were already made prior to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's sudden passing.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu nation died in the early hours of Saturday morning, the family said in a statement.
Buthelezi died at the age of 95, two weeks after his birthday celebration, which was marked while he was in hospital.
His passing comes as the annual Reed dance takes place in the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.
AmaZulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini is expected to receive reeds from hundreds of maidens from various provinces and neighbouring countries, including eSwatini.
The King is then expected to give a speech on societal issues, including gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy.
Ngubane states that the King is to announce the mourning period for the Prince as the Reed Dance continues.
"The reed dance needs to observe the passing of the Prince, because he has been instrumental to the establishment of uMkhosi Womhlanga in 1991.
“It’s paramount that a moment of silence is observed. I don't know if everything will go ahead as everything has been prepared but if it goes on it will have to go on under the cloud,” he says, referring to Buthelezi’s spirit having ascended.
"It's up to his Majesty as to how he wants to mourn the passing of the Prince, because the prince is part of the royal family, and its up to them how they pay tribute to the Prince," he says.
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