Several maidens treated for minor health issues at Reed Dance

KwaZulu-Natal emergency medical teams treated several maidens for minor health problems during the annual Reed Dance at eMashobeni Royal Palace in uPhongolo on Saturday.

Provincial Health spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said the cases included asthma-related difficulties and dehydration. Some participants had reportedly arrived without their asthma pumps, while others needed fluids after spending time in the heat and crowds.

Medical teams were stationed near the royal palace and treated those affected at an on-site health centre. No serious complications had been reported by Saturday evening.

The ceremony, known as Umkhosi woMhlanga, draws young women from across KwaZulu-Natal for a programme centred on Zulu cultural traditions. The gathering places additional pressure on local transport, security and health services because of the number of participants and visitors travelling to the venue.

Emergency personnel were deployed as part of the province's event safety plan. Maphisa said teams continued monitoring participants and were ready to respond if further assistance was needed.

The provincial health department urged attendees with chronic conditions to carry their prescribed medication and to drink enough water during the programme.