The annual Spirit of Zululand celebration was held at Mkuze's Ghost Mountain Inn, bringing together culture, community, and tourism in KwaZulu-Natal. The event, organised through a public-private partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film and the inn, honoured more than 40 local maidens who took part in Umkhosi Womhlanga, the Reed Dance. This celebration combines cultural heritage with career guidance, youth development, and regional tourism promotion.
The Ghost Mountain Inn, a family-owned business open since 1962, welcomes a diverse mix of international, national, and domestic guests. KZN Tourism & Film public relations and communications head Pinky Radebe stated that the authority collaborated with the inn to celebrate the Spirit of Zululand, the maidens, and the region's hospitality. She highlighted that October to March brings a seasonal influx of international visitors from France, Britain, and beyond to KZN.
Radebe emphasised the importance of celebrating the region's film stories, heritage, and the number of people visiting during this time. She noted that KZN is more than just the coast, with its heritage, food, history, and stories resonating deeply in the region. The authority actively positions KZN as a warm-weather must-see, must-visit for cultural experiences and world-class safaris, partnering with South African Tourism and other stakeholders.
The Spirit of Zululand celebration includes educating maidens on tourism and film careers, with speakers from the acting fraternity and tourism sector. Ghost Mountain Inn general manager Beu Mtetwa explained that the event started in 2025 to celebrate culture, heritage, and maidens in Mkuze. The collaboration includes the local police, municipality, and community, making it a unique and original event close to the community.
Maiden Abigal Ntuli, 17, joined Umkhosi Womhlanga to honour her virginity, a journey she has been on for three years. She expressed her appreciation for the experience, stating that it taught her good behaviour and morals, respect for culture and traditions, and pride in her virginity. Ntuli plans to finish school, study radiography at university, and return as a maiden to help her community.
International visitors and locals alike attended the weekend events, enjoying game viewing, traditional food, and local culture. Air stewardess Giselle Louw, a proudly South African resident of Richards Bay, said she always ends up coming home to Zululand. International visitor Myriam Boulet from France described KZN as vibrant and joyful, with the young women proudly showcasing their culture and traditions.
The Spirit of Zululand celebration serves as a platform for promoting regional tourism and cultural heritage. Key stakeholders, including KZN Tourism & Film and the Ghost Mountain Inn, are working together to advance the programme and create more opportunities for the community. The event has become an annual occurrence, showcasing the region's unique culture and warm hospitality to visitors from around the world.
Key points
- The Spirit of Zululand celebration promotes cultural heritage and regional tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
- The event honours local maidens who participate in Umkhosi Womhlanga, the Reed Dance.
- The celebration includes educating maidens on tourism and film careers, with a focus on youth development and community engagement.
