JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng : President Jacob Zuma Monday expressed a nation's sadness after eight South African teenage girls died in a bus crash while returning from an annual reed dance which celebrates virginity. "We are shocked and saddened by this tragic and horrific loss of life in this manner following a successful cultural event that promotes self-confidence among young women," Zuma said in a statement. Two adult females who accompanied the girls also died when the bus overturned Sunday in the southern Kwa-Zulu Natal province.
Police said 28 others were hurt in the crash.
Zuma joined the chorus of condolences that have poured in including from his own ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, the transport ministry and trade unions.
The annual royal reed dance festival sees thousands of bare-breasted virgins singing and dancing for the reigning Zulu king at his palace while bearing reeds.
Legend has it that if the maiden is not a virgin, the reed will break when she presents it to the king.
The dance takes place at the royal palace outside the coastal city of Durban.
A similar ritual also takes place in neighbouring Swaziland where King Mswati III, who now has 13 wives, normally picks up a new bride.