National Assembly:   15th September 2009

Speaker,

The IFP wishes to offer its heartfelt condolences to King Goodwill Zwelithini, the Zulu Royal family and the family of the fifteen year old girl who passed away during the annual Royal Reed Dance in KwaNongoma on Saturday.

The IFP's thoughts and prayers are with the families during this sad and difficult time.

Furthermore, the IFP wishes the eleven women who were seriously injured in the stampede at the Enyokeni Royal Residence all the best and a speedy recovery.

The cultural heritage of the Zulu people, as expressed through the annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga), teaches young women to have pride in their womanhood while it plays a critical role in the fight against HIV/Aids.

It is therefore imperative that the authorities and the organisers of the event put in place improved and more stringent security measures at next year's festival so that we can protect the young maidens who take part in this rich culture ceremony.

Whilst the IFP applauds the South African Police Service for stepping up security measures - by deploying extra police officers as well as members from the crime intelligence unit, the national intervention unit and public order police officers at this year's event - it was not sufficient to protect all the participants and we therefore call for a full and urgent investigation to be completed, so that we can prevent a similar tragedy from repeating itself in future.

I thank you.

Contact: Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi, 078 186 3619.