11/09/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 IFP CONDEMNS THE POLITICISATION OF TRANSPORT FOR MAIDENS ATTENDING UMKHOSI WOMHLANGA The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any attempts to politicise the provisioning and logistical coordination of transport for maidens travelling to the annual Umkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance).Umkhosi woMhlanga is a sacred and historic cultural pillar that transcends political lines, bringing together thousands of young women to celebrate Zulu culture, identity, pride, and dignity. It is deeply regrettable that a cultural custom meant to unite communities and preserve our heritage is being weaponised for political point-scoring and cheap factional games.The IFP stands firmly with the AmaZulu Royal Household and the traditional leaders (Amakhosi) who serve as the custodians of this sacred event. The safety, dignity, and logistical support of the participating maidens must remain the absolute priority of allstakeholders involved, free from political interference or manipulation. No young woman should be denied her right to participate in this cultural milestone, nor should any community—including marginalized young maidens from areas such as Folweni, Isipingo, and Umlazi—be sidelined, overlooked, or penalized based on administrative gatekeeping or political maneuvering.Expressing deep disappointment at the administrative hurdles faced by these communities, IFP eThekwini Councillor Ntombfuthi Ntshayintshayi, who sits on the Community Services Committee within the eThekwini Municipality, stated:"We approved the budget for these buses so that every child can honour their wish and right to attend. It is completely unacceptable that red tape and political games are now standing in the way of our youth participating freely in their heritage. These funds and resources were allocated specifically to serve our communities equitably, not to be gatekept." Crucially, this is not the first time that such administrative failures or deliberate logistical bottlenecks have occurred regarding cultural transport. Because this is a recurring issue that continually disadvantages our youth, the IFP is now formally calling for an urgent, transparent investigation into how transport and bus allocations were distributed and managed at both the eThekwini Municipality and the provincial Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.While we commend the ongoing safety and roadworthiness inspections carried out by traffic authorities to prevent road fatalities, we demand that the provincial government, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and municipal entities coordinate transport allocation fairly, transparently, and equitably across all districts and local wards.Culture belongs to the people, not to any political party. The Inkatha Freedom Party calls on all political actors and administrative officials to respect the sanctity of the Reed Dance, keep politics out of cultural heritage, and ensure that our maidens are supported with safe, reliable, and uncompromised transit to and from the royal palaces.
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Issued by : Councillor Ntombifuthi Ntshayintshayi-IFP Women's Brigade Provincial Chairperson
