The controversial Zulu dance is back in vogue. Of course, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the center-right Zulu nationalist, weighs in on the issue. From Mail & Guardian (South Africa): "The reintroduction of the annual reed dance [which is done topless and where the Zulu king often chooses his next bride....he already has six wives] has decreased the spread of Aids in the country, the IFP's Mangosuthu Buthelezi has said. 'I firmly believe that the rampant spread of HIV/Aids has been slowed by the reintroduction of the reed dance,' IFP leader Buthelezi said in a speech prepared for delivery. He was speaking at King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace where maidens had gathered for the annual reed dance."
The article continues about the controversial dance: "Buthelezi said encouraging young people to delay sexual relations until marriage was a tradition which helped to fight the disease. 'Our forbearers [sic] never faced the challenge of HIV/Aids but they understood the need to celebrate purity,' he said. 'It was necessary for the similar standards to be expected from young men.'"
Mangosuthu Buthelezi: "The Virgin Reed Dance Reduces AIDS In South Africa"
