On Saturday, 06 December 2025, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, led by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Z.J. Sibisi, hosted a Maidens’ Event at the uMnambithi Indoor Sports Centre.
Distinguished guests included Minister Public Service and Administration Hon. Inkosi E.M. Buthelezi, MP; Honourable M.C. Maphisa, MPL; Prince N. Zulu; iNdlunkulu yeSizwe sakwaButhelezi; iNdlunkulu yeSizwe sakwaSithole; Inkosi Zondi; uNdunankulu wesizwe sakwaMabaso; SAPS officials; maidens; and municipal officials.
The annual ceremony is aimed to appreciate and acknowledge the maidens. On the day they handed over their memorandum to SAPS officials where they listed their grievances.
In his welcoming remarks, Mayor, Cllr ZJ Sibisi expressed appreciation to the maidens, and outlined municipal youth-focused programmes, especially tertiary registration fee assistance which is planned to be increased yearly. The municipality provides transportation for maidens attending the annual uMkhosi woMhlanga, with plans to increase the number of buses yearly. The Mayor wished maidens a safe festive season and encouraged wise choices in tertiary education.
The Minister, Inkosi EM Buthelezi, the guest speaker, commended the Mayor for having the best interest of the community at heart and hosting for such event gesture that instil good behaviour to the young girls and further encouraged for similar events to be hosted for young men to be capacitated on responsible behaviour. He applauded the municipal initiatives that support youth. He emphasized the dignity of maidens and the importance of heritage. He mentioned that, today’s gathering supports the dignity of maidens as part of embracing our heritage. “Women are critical pillars of our society”. We encourage maidens to maintain their innocence and that they matter the most and should be proud of their heritage. Maidens should take pride in preserving their dignity
Inkosi yakwaZondi encouraged self-care and extended festive wishes.
As a token of appreciation, the 67 maidens were awarded with certificates. The eldest recipient was Ms Phindile Mkhwanazi (61) from Ward 15, under unomehlo MaNkosi (Ukuthobeka kweNdalo camp) as the eldest recipient.
Ends.
Issued by Alfred Duma Local Municipality Communication and IGR Section.