Swaziland's King unveils 19 year old virgin as his 14th bride

The King of Swaziland, King Mswati the Third has a new virgin bride in line with Swaziland’s customs and traditions.

King Mswati III has officially unveiled his 14th virgin bride after a week-long Umhlanga Reed Dance which began on 29th of August and ended on Monday 4th September.

Siphelele Mashwama (19), the daughter of a Swaziland Cabinet Minister emerged as the fairest of them all and caught the King’s eye to become the 14th bride of King Mswati III.

According to Mpumalanga News, Mashwama was chosen and given red feathers known as emagwalagwala plucked from a bird that is associated with the royal family.

This Swazi cultural event is performed as a tribute to the Royal Family and dates back to as far as 19490s.

Tens of thousands of prospective virgin females present newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence.

The dance is held at the Ludzidzini Royal Village where the girls after undergoing a virginity test disperse to surrounding areas to cut the tall reeds.

During the ceremony, the maidens display culture and tradition as they sing and dance for the King who chooses a new wife at the end of the ceremony.

King Mswati III ascended to the throne when he was only 14-years-old after his father, King Sobhuza II died.