Nomkhosi Nkomo: Beyond the Reeds

As thousands of maidens gather this month for the annual Reed Dance (uMkhosi woMhlanga), celebrating purity and cultural pride, one young woman from Durban (eNanda) is making her voice heard in a powerful way. Nomkhosi Nkomo, a 26-year-old who has chosen to remain a virgin, is using her story to remind young girls of the importance of self-respect, discipline, and cultural identity.

Nomkhosi sees the Reed Dance not only as a cultural celebration but also as a symbol of empowerment. “This ceremony is about more than just carrying reeds to the royal palace. It’s about carrying yourself with dignity, knowing that your body is precious and your choices matter,” she explains.

For her, virginity is not simply a personal choice but a reflection of values passed down through generations. She highlights how the Reed Dance provides a platform for young women to celebrate their purity and honor traditions that protect them from early pregnancies, diseases, and unhealthy relationships. “Being a virgin doesn’t mean you are perfect, but it shows that you value yourself enough to wait for the right time,” she adds.

Growing up in Durban, Nomkhosi witnessed many of her peers pressured into early relationships, leading to heartbreak or dropping out of school. These experiences fueled her determination to stand firm in her beliefs and encourage others to do the same.

During youth gatherings, schools, and church events, she motivates girls to focus on education and their future goals rather than seeking short-term validation. To her, virginity represents strength, patience, and independence of thought. She acknowledges the challenges, especially in a society where peer pressure and social media glamorize early sexual activity. Yet she insists that young women must remember that their value lies within themselves, not in external approval.

As she confidently states: “Virginity is not about shame or control; it’s about self-love, dignity, and respecting your future. The Reed Dance reminds us that we carry more than reeds; we carry hope, culture, and self-worth.”

Through her voice and example, Nomkhosi Nkomo is proving that the celebration of purity is not just a cultural ritual but a lifelong commitment to self-respect and empowerment.

Written by Ntombifuthi Khoza