The Freedom Day in the rural part of the Eastern Cape, Flagstaff and EmaXesibeni (formerly known as Mt Ayliff) towns was dominated by august traditional ceremonies of young girls, as a mission to celebrate culture, purity of maidens as cultural pride among young women. The two Inkciyo events were held at Komkhulu kwaGaga eMahedeni location, whilst on the same day the same event was held at Lurholweni location. At the event of eMahedeni, we saw maidens converging in large numbers from all corners of the town including beautiful young girls from the town itself, where civilization was taking its toll.
Meanwhile, Inkciyo Cultural Heritage Opening Ceremony was on the same day 27 April 2024, held at Lurholweni —a deeply significant cultural event that celebrates purity, morality, and cultural pride among young women.
The ceremonies, rooted in the traditions of the amaMpondo and amaXesibe people, saw young maidens adorned in traditional beaded garments, miniskirts in some with no panties, symbolizing their commitment to self-respect, discipline, and the preservation of cultural values as it was before. Inkciyo continues to serve as a powerful platform for affirming identity, dignity, and the strength of young women within their communities.
Moreover, the Lurholweni event was graced by the presence of the Chairperson of South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) Princess Nandile Ndamase,
Princess Modjadji Selowe, Head of events in SARPN, and Princess Nandipha Bushula, Head Woman and Head of Programmes.
Addressing the audience and maids, Princess Nandile Ndamase stressed the mission and vision of the network, emphasizing the importance of self-love, dignity, and unity among young women. She commended the maidens for their voluntary commitment to this cultural journey, encouraging them to take pride in their choices.
“When something is beautiful, it is kept. And when you keep something, it shows that you are proud of it,” said Ndamase,
Her message extended beyond celebration to compassion and inclusivity. She also addressed the realities of gender-based violence and sexual abuse, affirming that those who have experienced harm must never feel isolated or excluded. “Those who have been harmed are not to be left behind. They too deserve respect, because what happened to them was never by choice,” Nandile said.
She further emphasized the importance of mutual respect within communities, regardless of status, and encouraged the maidens to honour and listen to their elders, who continue to guide them with wisdom and love.
She urged the amaMpondo community to stand firmly behind the young women embarking on this journey of cultural preservation and personal discipline.
“As South Africa commemorates its hard-won freedom, events such as Inkciyo serve as a reminder that true freedom is also found in identity, self-worth, and the courage to uphold one’s values,” concluded Princess Betty Mashashane, head of Communications and Social Media
South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN).
