Reed dance festival to another palace by Zulu King Misuzulu moves

COSTS

Amazulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s decision to move the annual Reed Dance ceremony from Enyokeni Palace to a new palace, Mashobeni, could pit him against the cash-strapped KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.

In a surprise move, the king at the weekend announced that this year’s event will be held at Mashobeni Palace in Pongola in the north-east of the province. The palace which is a few kilometres from KwaKhangelamankengana Palace, is the home of the king’s new wife, Princess Sihle Mdhluli from the Mpumalanga province.

The provincial government through the Public Works department has just completed a massive amphitheatre at Enyokeni which cost the taxpayers R140 million. It was expected to be used for this year’s event.

The dome-designed structure was requested by Misuzulu's father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini for the purpose of the reed dance and has facilities which do not require the hiring of VIP marquees or toilets. The structure has a seating capacity for 2,000 people.

The government is expected to bear extra cost of a makeshift pavilion seating at Mashobeni, where maidens and the public would gather for the king’s address after the presentation of reeds by the maidens.

Defending his decision, the king said he was honouring Queen Nandi and King Shaka who had a palace in the area. The king said by building the palace there, he was reviving Shaka’s palace as well as his legacy.

“I am aware that many are used to this event being held in eNyokeni. Today, I wish to announce that the event will now be held here at Mashobeni palace on 12 to 14 September. We are sorry to those who wanted the event to continue at Enyokeni palace. My decision is in line with the fact that Queen Nandi and King Shaka lived here so it’s important to revive his palace,” said Misuzulu.

In a short statement, the KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, said he had noted the announcement made by the king to move the ceremony to Mashobeni royal residence, however, he said his department was just an implementing agent as per the mandate given on each project by a client department.

 “In this matter the client was the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture along with the Office of The Premier. Therefore any queries would be best placed before those offices.”

Arts and Culture spokesperson Ntando Mnyando said his department could not say anything further about the decision as its' duty is to organise events wherever the king and royal family want them to be. Attempts to get comment from the Premier’s spokesperson Bongani Gina were unsuccessful.