Found at: http://eshowe.com/article/articleprint/68/-1/20

Zulu Kings First Fruits Ceremony

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Zulu Tours

Author: Graham Chennells

Publishing date: 05.12.2004 19:19

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Umkhosi Wokweshwama.The Celebration of First Fruits.Date:16th December 2008.Guided Tours, Press & VIP access arranged by Zululand Eco-Tours.Tours depart from The George Hotel & Zululand Backpackers in Eshowe.(Dates subject to The Zulu King's discretion) Cost R450 pp. (Min 4 pax)

Umkhosi Wokweshwama/The Celebration of First Fruits
This certemony takes place in early December each year at Enyokeni Royal Palace,Nongoma. Zululand Eco-Adventures does a tour to this ceremony each year from Eshowe.

Men entering KIngs Residence

The annual First Fruits Celebration Ceremony/Umkhosi Wokweshwama, organised by the KZN Department of Education and Culture, takes place at Enyokeni Royal Palace, KwaNongoma. The last one took place on 17th December 2005. The function commences at 11h30.

This is a very important occasion in the Zulu Nation, because, traditionally, the Zulu Monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, has to eat the first produce and pray to God (uMvelinqangi) to bless the land to produce abundant good food for His people. During this event, young men/amabutho are invited by the King to participate in different rituals.

Kings Praise Singer

What also makes this ceremony very important is the strong belief that it strengthens the King and his Kingdom. The Zulu Monarch uses this opportunity to talk to the Nation, more especially, to young men and old, focussing on issues such as HIV/Aids, moral regeneration, fighting poverty and the like. Furthermore he addresses men on how they should conduct themselves as heads of their families and as role models in their communities. He also encourages them to lead their communities in agricultural practices in order to fight poverty.

Nguni Herd

Meanwhile, the Zulu King is to introduce forums for young and old men, whereby issues of concern can be addressed; such as the role that men can play in the leadership of their families. This extends to the responsibilities they have to assume in fighting the spread of HIV/Aids, as well as preventing the abuse of women and children within their communities. These workshops are to be conducted in collaboration with local government and traditional leadership structures. Already a number of prominent and dynamic male speakers have shown keen interest in participating, and include members of the Royal family, business personalities, the clergy, civil society and the like. It is hoped; these programmes will also go hand in hand with the moral regeneration campaign led by the Deputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma.

Latest reports are that a number of buses have been arranged to transport amabutho from Empangeni and its surrounds, Hlabisa, Mahlabathini and Nongoma to this function. Those intending to attend are requested to refrain from wearing clothes depicting colours of their political parties.

Trees in Bloom

Zululand Eco-Adventures
Eshowe
Zululand.
KwaZulu Natal. South Africa.
035 4744919
info@eshowe.com

Guide: Graham Chennells.

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