Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe Vivane Hlatjwako has announced the official program for the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance and instructed chiefs on registration and escort arrangements.
In a statement issued on Friday, Hlatjwako said registration of girl maidens will be held on August 25, 2026 at Ludzidzini Royal residence.
The schedule is as follows:
– August 26, 2026: Maidens come out
– August 27, 2026: Reed cutting
– August 28, 2026: Return from reed cutting
– August 29, 2026: Resting day
– August 30, 2026: Presentation of the reeds
– August 31, 2026: Official dancing 
Chiefs have been directed to send four men and two women from each chiefdom to accompany the maidens.
Hlatjwako said the purpose of the escorts is to ensure the welfare of the maidens.
She stated that in the event that a maiden is unwell, two men will be available to report to responsible authorities and to inform parents, including in cases of hospitalization.
The Indvuna urged chiefs to advise the maidens, men and women attending to maintain proper behavior during the ceremony.
She further stated that men and girls will sleep separately.
Chiefs were also advised not to select very young girls for participation.
Hlatjwako said young girls often cannot travel long distances due to the scarcity of reed in some areas.
All chiefdoms have been called to ensure their groups are present for registration on August 25, 2026.
………Public holiday declared for Umhlanga Reed Dance
Following the announcing of Umhlanga ceremony, the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Phila Buthelezi announced that the public holiday for Umhlanga Reed Dance will be on the 31st of August 2026
