Madam,
With the Umhlanga Ceremony approaching on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the excitement among our young maidens, families and communities is understandable. Preparations are taking place; traditional attire is being prepared and many are looking forward to travelling and joining this important national occasion.
Amid this excitement, I would like to make a humble appeal to our young maidens: Please remember why you are attending Umhlanga. This is not simply an opportunity to leave home, socialise and do whatever one pleases. It is a cultural occasion where our maidens come together in the presence of Their Majesties, participate in traditional activities and interact with fellow maidens from different constituencies.
For many of them, this will be an opportunity to meet young women they have never encountered before. They can exchange experiences, form meaningful friendships and appreciate the diversity within our communities. These are memories worth taking home. The occasion should, therefore, be approached with a sense of purpose. There is a time and place for everything and Umhlanga should not become associated with drinking, reckless behaviour or activities that take away from its cultural significance.
Our young maidens are old enough to make responsible choices. They should understand that having a good time does not require intoxication or irresponsible conduct.
One can laugh, sing, dance, meet new people and enjoy the atmosphere while still maintaining self-respect and having consideration for others. I would especially encourage the maidens to look after one another. If a friend is struggling, do not simply walk away. If someone finds herself in an uncomfortable situation, offer support.
The friendships formed during Umhlanga Celebration should be friendships that promote good behaviour rather than encourage one another into unnecessary trouble. There is also something special about being part of a gathering that brings together maidens from different constituencies. Instead of allowing differences to divide them, they should use the occasion to learn from one another and strengthen the bonds that connect them as young women of the same nation. Parents and guardians have already played an important role in preparing their daughters for this occasion. I encourage them to continue giving guidance, but I also encourage the maidens to take personal responsibility for their conduct. At the end of the day, good guidance becomes meaningful when young people choose to apply it.
The presence of Their Majesties should also remind everyone of the importance of conducting oneself appropriately.
This is a moment when our traditions are placed on a national stage and our young people have an opportunity to demonstrate that our cultural heritage can be embraced with both enthusiasm and maturity. Let us not allow a few irresponsible actions to overshadow the thousands of young women who participate respectfully and proudly.
To every maiden preparing to attend, my message is simple: Go and enjoy the experience, but do not forget its meaning. Meet new people. Make friendships. Appreciate the traditions. Enjoy the singing and dancing. Take photographs and create memories that you will treasure. But do not let the excitement of the occasion cause you to forget your values.
Most importantly, return home safely and proudly, knowing that you contributed positively to an event that belongs to all of us.
Umhlanga is an opportunity for our young generation to experience culture, togetherness and tradition firsthand. Let us give them every reason to remember it as a beautiful and meaningful chapter of their lives. May this year’s Umhlanga be peaceful, joyful and dignified and may our young maidens carry the true spirit of the occasion wherever they go. Let them celebrate, but let them remember the purpose.
Tenele Ndlovu
Leave a comment