The Commemoration of Purity by throngs of maidens from across the country has taken centre stage at eMashobeni Royal Palace, Pongola, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Maidens at the uMkhosi woMhlanga also travelled from as far field as Mozambique and eSwatini to join their South African counterparts in the two-day event. As an integral part of the Zulu culture and heritage, this tradition was revived in 1984 by the late Amazulu King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. The current Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has embraced the event, as thousands of maidens flocked to his royal palace to place their reeds next to his palace as a symbol of celibacy.

Dignitaries in attendance include the MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, who urged the maidens to engage in agricultural activities and stressed the importance of making agriculture fashionable. kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said that youth are the future of this country and must make a meaningful contribution to the sector.