Nobel Virgins carried their culture beyond South Africa’s borders as they joined hundreds of maidens in Eswatini for the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance.
The eight-day cultural ceremony took place from 25 August to 1 September, with the main Reed Dance held on Monday, 31 August, at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
For the young women, the trip was more than another cultural outing. It marked their second year participating in the prestigious ceremony and gave them another opportunity to proudly represent Orange Farm on an international stage.
According to Lisa Simelani of Nobel Virgins, about 700 maidens travelled from Soweto, while another 120 joined from the Vaal, bringing the South African group to approximately 820 maidens.
The scale of the journey was just as striking, with Simelani saying about 14 buses departed from Soweto carrying participants to the cultural celebration.
This year’s gathering carried added significance as it took place during a year in which Eswatini is celebrating King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne. The King marked the milestone in April 2026.
“Seeing our girls from Orange Farm standing proudly among hundreds of maidens in Eswatini was a deeply emotional moment for us. They were not just taking part in the Reed Dance; they were carrying their culture, their families and the name of Orange Farm with them. For many of these girls, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showed them the value of their roots and the pride of representing their community beyond South Africa’s borders,” said Simelani.
Dressed in traditional attire and surrounded by young women from different communities, the Nobel Virgins took part in a celebration centred on heritage, identity and cultural pride.
Simelani said the journey also gave the maidens an opportunity to connect with other young women, learn from the experience and strengthen their appreciation for their own traditions.
She also thanked Chief Nkululeko Xaba for the role he played in supporting the group and helping make the journey possible.
“We would like to thank Chief Nkululeko Xaba for being a father of the nation and for making sure that the girls were able to be part of this experience,” Simelani said.
For the Nobel Virgins, returning to Eswatini for a second year was a proud milestone — one that placed Orange Farm’s young women at the heart of one of Eswatini’s major cultural celebrations.
