The traditional Zulu reed dance is sexist and outdated, South Africa's Young Communist League (YCL) says

YCL spokesman Castro Ngobese said the cultural practice in honour of the Zulu King Shaka makes women "chained prisoners of backwards traditions". The YCL dedicated 2008's Heritage Day events to a young girl who was raped during reed dance celebrations in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The South African press reported that a 14-year-old Zulu maiden who had been participating in the ceremony at King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace was dragged outside and gang-raped.