Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that every year in September over 15 000 Zulu maidens gather at King Goodwill Zwelithini's royal palace for the Zulu reed dance (uMkhosi woMhlanga) and that this year's event will take place on 11 and 12 September at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma;
2) further notes that the reed dance is a colourful cultural celebration ...
Hon members of the ANC, you can't hear your Chief Whip speaking; please reduce your noise levels.
Thank you, hon Speaker, for the protection. I shall continue:
... that promotes respect for young women and preserves the custom of keeping girls as virgins until marriage;
(3) believes that the Zulu reed dance plays a significant part in Zulu heritage in terms of portraying and instilling a sense of pride, belonging and identity among the youth;
(4) acknowledges that this year's ceremony will see all the young women participating in the event undergoing life skills training as well as receiving information about moral regeneration and HIV and Aids education, especially on prevention methods; and
(5) wishes the participants a very successful uMkhosi woMhlanga.
I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]
Agreed to.
Thank you. May I just add that the attendance at the reed dance is per invitation only, but ... [Laughter.] Order!