Government directive on virginity testing sparks controversy in KwaZulu-Natal

VIRGINITY testing for girls under the age of 16 has resurfaced as a contentious issue after the cultural rights commission issued a directive prohibiting the practice for that age group — a move that has drawn strong opposition from Zulu traditionalists.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva met Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga last week and directed that the testing of maidens below 16 years of age was illegal and should be stopped; however, culturists have vowed to defy this order.

Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, the founder of Nombukhubulwane Institute, a cultural body advocating for the preservation of African cultural practice said the practice will continue and will not be stopped.

Ngobese said the practice has helped to reduce sexual violence against children as the organisation conducts tests randomly.

She said even perpetrators are scared to rape girl children who are being tested because they know testers will uncover if a child has been abused and that the practice has helped to reduce cases where young girls had been repeatedly raped and could not report this due to fear.