Government directive on virginity testing sparks controversy

A CULTURAL clash is looming again between government and Zulu culturists over the virginity testing of young girls in KwaZulu-Natal following the directive of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) which prevents the practice on girls below 16 years of age.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

The commission's 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.

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.