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Virginity testing 'a must'

by
2008-07-07 13:09

Unathi Kondile, News24 User

I watched with glee as topless KwaZulu-Natal maidens ran the dusty streets of Harding heading for the Qiniseleni Manyuswa Tribal Court where Queen Lina Ngcobo and her cast would assess their virginities.

One of the girls was shown lying on a cardboard box as she bared all. Another clip on SABC news showed an elderly woman washing her hands and calling the next girl. This got me thinking on how this actual virginity-testing thing was conducted. For fear of being too graphic, I let imagination prevail.

Apparently thousands of Zulu maidens will undergo this testing in preparation for the King's reed dance. But as usual from afar in the comfort of their living rooms and plasma TVs the western souls howl and cry fowl and even go as far as saying virginity testing defies the recent children's act.

To hell with the Children's Act. The Children's Act in itself defies black cultural practises! And hence we have children yelling they have a right to this and that, whilst blatantly undermining their cultures. Now the heat is on virginity testing.

But what fails me is the fact that no one seems to see the values of virginity testing. Firstly it instils a sense of pride about maintaining one's virginity - as opposed to the West's "Oh my gosh, you're still a virgin!" taboo. Secondly this testing also plays a pivotal role in HIV prevention. The more virgins the less HIV right? Right!

And don't tell me about other intravenous methods of acquiring HIV - rural girls in Harding know nothing about swapping needles and shooting up coke. So I ask could virginity testing really be that bad? Considering the fact that it largely leans towards yielding the positive.

Really now what does the West want us to do? Those girls are proud to be virgins and you now want to come and remove that sense of cultural pride and breed communities that think being a virgin is taboo.

To all those crying foul of Zulu virginity testing - leave the Zulus alone, at least they have something that works in these days of promiscuity and rapid HIV infections.

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Naks 7/7/2008 1:15:42 PM
...go back to slavery? After all, this was a cultural practice of the Arabs? If my cultural practices involve beheading people and eating them, does that mean you'll also support me when I do so???

VG 7/7/2008 1:18:11 PM
As you can probably imagine, virginity testing is 1. not scientific and 2. extremely embarrassing, not to mention an invasion of privacy. In the same way as one has to right to consent - or not- to sex, women and girls have the right to say no. That is the right that the children's bill tries to uphold. I can't believe we're actually discussing this - would you submit to having your bits on public display???

Tuffy 7/7/2008 1:19:21 PM
Wow Kondile; you must be one of the brightest amongst the bright! The less said about this of piece of cultural cr*p, the better. I wonder what the Zulu excuse for virginity testing was in the age before AIDS and inter-continental communication? I can guess why you were barred from the book show salon prive; you probably had that predatory, gleeful look on your face when you looked at any females in the vicinity and were probably carrying a few Playboy magazines opened to the centre fold...

DavidD 7/7/2008 1:19:29 PM
I agree with most of this, especially the HIV angle, but could someone explain the Zulu custom of "the washing of the spears" that maidens performed on warriors?

T 7/7/2008 1:19:47 PM
It's articles like this, that make me wonder if I shouldn't rather get out of South Africa. I'm absolutely speachless! Do people actually think like this?

jfky 7/7/2008 1:21:06 PM
Zulu or not, it's a personal choice. As parents, you should educate your child and not test them to see if your method of education works.

~Brad~ 7/7/2008 1:22:19 PM
Well done!! This is so true in this day in age. I am a 24 year old white male in SA. I get so upset when I go to a no under 21 clud and find all these 15 and under white girl running around with only a tea towel on waiting and wanting to pop their cherry!! This country needs good morals and cultural practises to keep it going.

JJM 7/7/2008 1:23:01 PM
There is NO proven accuracy with virginity testing. Its all 18th century crap im afraid. What I find pretty funny is that under 16's cant kiss in public, yet people can be inspecting others' genetals in public. pathetic, its 2008, not 1756.

Vernon Wolf 7/7/2008 1:24:11 PM
oh please, it's the year 2008. Mans been to the bloody moon, but in Africa their testing for virginity... there is no place for these barbaric rituals in the modern world!

Wayne 7/7/2008 1:24:34 PM
That there are still people that conduct these practices and believe that Virginity testing etc is acceptable is sad indictment on the lack of progress in certain sectors of our community. The practice of virginity testing, along with the forced circumcision and a myriad of other barbaric ?culturally important? practices, flies in the face of progress! Culture evolves. 500 years ago in Europe similar practices existed. Children were forced to marry at 13, the lord of the lands took all new brides into their beds on their wedding nights etc, all in the name of culture and tradition but they have MOVED ON. Culture evolves and to be perfectly frank, the world in moving towards a mon-culture anyway ? rightly or wrongly. South Africa is a Modern Republic and a democracy where the principles of equality and human dignity are in direct conflict with these traditional archaic and plain disgusting rituals! All you tribal chiefs and local lords, your days are numbered. Get lost, we are a Republic!!!

Concerned 7/7/2008 1:24:53 PM
I used to admire your articles brother but on this one you have hit rock bottom. Virginity testing is barbaric. Culture is dynamic hence we must move on with the times. The way it's done by the Zulus is very unhygenic and pathetic. While the song of HIV prevention must be sung loud and clear, this practice must be stopped - period.

Simone 7/7/2008 1:25:12 PM
Your points are valid BUT your final statement is a laugh. You say you that at least you have something that works in these days of promiscuity and rapid HIV infections? Yes, I believe you and so does Jacob Zuma. He says he took a shower to prevent HIV! Go figure!

kwk 7/7/2008 1:26:53 PM
Not all cultural practices are "correct" (ie. cannibalism elsewhere in the world). But I agree with you on this one. There are many benefits. But it goes in so strongly against the current zeitgeist. Our government is ardent supporter of the superficial aspects of human rights. (but feels nothing, say, for enforcing the right to physical security,which in my book is the most universal one). There's just no way the law will change.

LM 7/7/2008 1:27:12 PM
While you are at it, burn some witches as well!! Have you ever heard of the concept of "CHANGE"??? People do this as modern society evolves. Time for you to do the same thing.

John Camp 7/7/2008 1:27:20 PM
Fortunately we all have opinions. Proud to be virgins? WTF! Those who are virgins can be proud of it without having take some extremely QUESTIONABLE test. I question just how hygenic this sick and barbaric ritual really is. Prevent HIV? Get real!

MIKE 7/7/2008 1:27:57 PM
Unathi, you just want to see topless girls!!

PeterH 7/7/2008 1:28:05 PM
It's hard to know what is satire and what isn't these days! ;)

Richard Hipkin 7/7/2008 1:28:44 PM
Oh please get real dude, there is no comparison to chooping heads off and checking young maidens virginity. Us whiteys need to understand the various cultures in our diverse country. Checking virginities are neither brutal nor inhumane, having been a welcomed member of the Eshowe clan I have been invited to many of these occasions, although have been kept at a distance, and have seen first hand at how proud both the maidens and parents are after such an event. It instills values and pride for the whole family, both direct and extended families. I think it is high time that we all started taking more note of our various cultures and as in religion no one person's culture is gospel. When you begin to experience and understand another's culture you will also begin to understand the person.

Brian 7/7/2008 1:29:15 PM
You forgot to mention that it also prevents teenage pregnancy, which is generally a major problem in society. So if the girls are prepared to do it out of their own will, why not?

proud to be white 7/7/2008 1:29:45 PM
This is just another excuse for the author to try and force her values and "african" cutoms on the rest of us,it makes me sick that people only use the phrase,it's my culture when it suits them,one way to always be sure your a virgin is simple,stay away from sex,plain and simple.

Liz 7/7/2008 1:30:40 PM
I do see your point. If these girls want to be tested then who am I to tell them that it's wrong. I do however feel that if there are girls who dont want to subject themselves to virginity testing it is their choice to do so. I can not imagine what damage this does if it is forced on a shy and self concious young girl going through hormonal and body changes. It should be the girls choice.

Franco 7/7/2008 1:30:51 PM
Being a virgin does not imply that you cannot get exposed to HIV. Check your facts!

Stephen 7/7/2008 1:31:14 PM
Well the only reason a Zulu girl would need to have her virginity tested is if the Zulu men do not respect their own culture and take the virginity of unmarried girls. I find this hypocracy, however I'm sure someone can explain it to me as it is not my culture

Tlou 7/7/2008 1:31:22 PM
Kondile where are the positives you talking about. KZN has the highest HIV infections but it is suppose to have more virgins in SA. There is nothing wrong with virginity testing but we should educate this girls more about what they can achieve in life for themselves not misplaced respect. We also don?t need pervert men lining up to pick these girls as wifes while they have a dozen of those at home already. The only thing that constant in life is change, if we wanna keep our culture we have to mordenise it or else our grandchildren will loathe it.

masingita 7/7/2008 1:32:04 PM
I always asked myself, why is that everything done by Indigenous Africans is regarded as bad when coming to western culture and behaviour, how come our culture is being undermined and seen a barbaric and abusive. Maybe instead of criticising other people's beliefs and culture we should instead try and understand why things are done. What is western is not always right. Yes times change however that does not mean we have to throw away everything about our cultures.

Jonathan 7/7/2008 1:32:40 PM
Call me racist, anti cultural, naive but I find certain cultural and religious practices distastefully and think they have no place in the 21st century. Much like circumcision, virginity testing is contrary to a child's constitutional rights to dignity and protection over ones body. What was relevant centuries ago has to change to reflect the mores of modern society.

SHOCKED 7/7/2008 1:32:56 PM
here Unathi, but drugs is very much in most small towns these days.Get your facts straight, the drug lords have not only been selling the stuff in the cities but have unfortunately moved to all the small towns and this is a huge problem. Not everyone knows about this problem, so dont think that all the youngsters are not doing drugs in those dorpies because they are....sorry to burst you bubble boot

oistar 7/7/2008 1:33:42 PM
I hope your comment also considers that 'in the name of HIV prevention' all men should be virgin s too. Or are you a typical male chauvenistic pig who believes that only women should be virgins? I suppose your argument / letter was only formulated because of the Western element. What the white man says, we must do the exact opposite. Typical!

voice, jhb 7/7/2008 1:34:27 PM
Why is HIV always increasing in KZN if that culture seem to cure it? Washing your hands have nothing to do with removing HIV virus. Get your facts straight.

Van 7/7/2008 1:35:00 PM
Do the men get tested for virginity? If they aren't, then how do you know that they will not sleep around and pass on the HIV virus to these girls once they are married. I don' think your argument has any merrit. It's self serving and ignorant!

Gman 7/7/2008 1:35:25 PM
Unathi, something tells me that you are trying to be contentious here. I don't think many would argue that remaining a virgin for as long as possible is a good thing given the promiscuity that abounds.Has anyone actually asked these girls if they are comfortable with this practice? What happens to a girl who has broken her hymen, be it through sexual intercourse or by other natural means, ie:athletics, horse riding etc? What if a girl had been raped and didn't want to report it etc?

Scott 7/7/2008 1:35:35 PM
I am in full agreement with you on this one bud. Keeping ones virtue intact is definitely something that should be taught and practised by the next generation. Promiscuity and drug abuse are the top two methods of contracting and spreading HIV/AIDs. As for that sham of a Childrens Act... I'll keep my comments to myself.

Kien 7/7/2008 1:36:35 PM
It is true that it should instill a sense of pride of being a virgin. And you are right, that the world has got the wrong of virginity. But, what happens if you are raped and no longer a virgin? Does that very culture then shun you? Are you laughed at, ridiculed? How is the boys being taught about virginity in the Zulu culture? Surely, what goes for the one sex, must also go for the other?

Neil 7/7/2008 1:36:46 PM
Well honestly I cant see anything wrong with it as long as the girls involved want to be involved. Certain individuals might not like tradition that much. I just think people who follow tradition blindy are living in the past. Lets face it if white people still lived in the past then well we would still be living in a colony. Forcing people to follow tradition is also very stupid. If someone does not want to follow it then that is their decision.

DWP 7/7/2008 1:36:53 PM
I hear your point...However, if someone were not a virgin should they then be singled out and ridiculed? You say they know nothing of needle sharing, what about rape? If a girl was raped and did not disclose this to family and friends and then when her virginity was tested it may lead to preasure, ridicule or even worse. Just a thought?!

qolo 7/7/2008 1:38:46 PM
My man stop trying to justify this stupid practise. I does not mean that if one passes a virginity test the will remain virgins for the rest of their lives. Your points are short lived. Jaaa haaaa!!

ghost 7/7/2008 1:39:44 PM
What about girls who have lost their virginity through an activity other than sex, such as horse riding? Will they have a stigma attached to them? Just wondering.

Mouse 7/7/2008 1:39:48 PM
No problem with your customs, believe you will respect mine. All customs are important to maintain identity. Customs should not belittle or offend though.

Affronted black african woman 7/7/2008 1:41:04 PM
Just because something is done in the name of culture or tradition- it doesn't make it right.I personally find this practice, along with FGM (Female genitalia mutilation),child brides etc - where men created some sort of practice to ensure that they get what they want and find some way of justifying it nothing short of abhorrent. This is a violation of ones dignity -The sooner men/women see this the better! This is not a Western view- but one of a human being. Culture doesn?t make one element of society less than the other, but it celebrate each part.You have no right to control another?s body or sexuality. As for your misconstrued HIV comments I suggest that you and read up about it more carefully. It is generally women who usually get HIV from their male partners, due to their attitudes and behaviour. Should one not also create some sort of custom for men and justify this by using culture in order to reduce the spread of HIV as well? Before you make reckless statements like the ones you have mentioned, at least make sure that you are providing the CORRECT information. In this day and age you comments are what lead to many people getting HIV each year.

terence 7/7/2008 1:44:22 PM
dont people have rights any more in this country, seems as if our rights are getting violated left right and centre. I dont care if these woman are zulus or hindus we are all equal on this earth and we all have the right to privacy it is total nonsense that these woman have to endure this crap in the 20th century. so much to peoples rights to freedom

John Camp 7/7/2008 1:44:55 PM
"Checking virginities are neither brutal or inhumane" Have you had yours tested dude? You seem to know quite a bit about the process, anyway if you have and they have confirmed you're still a virgin please keep it that way. This world is only big enough for one of you.

Yugen 7/7/2008 1:45:08 PM
Why prove to the world that you are a virgin only to have dozens of children you can't afford as soon as you start having sex?? The problem in this country is not preserving virginity for as long as possible but teaching people to be more responsible about birth control once they are sexually active.... or is that also defying black cultural practises??

Culturalist 7/7/2008 1:45:38 PM
I agree with unathi culture must be practised as it maintains the moral values of our society. Since the constitution, bill of rrights etc. was implemented a significant downgrading in society moral values occured. Please if some one wants to mention cannibalism.... get a life I am not talking about that. Our 11 official ethnic groups used to have each their own unique culture. Then all children was well behaved. I only have to look and them all now and only see disrespect for everyone!

Bridget 7/7/2008 1:47:56 PM
1. it is not proven to actually prove anything (some girls may have a broken hymen even if they never had sex)2. EQUALITY! How are we testing those boys that will marry the virgins and infect them anyway? 3. Do they consent? If they wish to do it by all means but not if they don't wish to have other people invading their privates!4. Is is hygenic? If someone has a dirty hand they could spread illnesses amongst the "virgins" any dirt in there could cause cervical cancer! Sheesh!

Thami 7/7/2008 1:48:44 PM
it must be the girls choice to do it or not? to all that say it is barbaric do u know how is done have u read up on it or u just being ignorant.

chris10 7/7/2008 1:50:41 PM
Your argument is laughable, to say the least. It rests entirely on the presumption that a woman's virginity is the most important thing she has, which is bullshit. My unviolated vagina is not my crowning achievement, and for you to think that it is, is insulting. And as for preventing Aids, are you legally brain dead? Who puts on the condom? The woman? No, you sexist cretin, it is the man. Who rapes women? Other women? Get real, you deluded fool.

SB 7/7/2008 1:50:43 PM
What's good for the goose... Are the guys these maidens eventually marry or mate with HIV free??? Have they all been good boys? I don't think so...

Bella 7/7/2008 1:53:34 PM
I'm a WHITE SA woman & wish this practice would b enrolled in all SA. Why u ask? Around 14 & 18 we all want 2 experiment. (Most not all) try it & since we know no one will know, continue. If u r going 2 b caught u won?t even try! Use this practice & we'll cut down (even eliminate?) teenage preg. Drop HIV by a big % in youths! Catch Abusers because abused will tell it?s not their fault loosing virginity. Barbarians/cannibalism are murderous practices & not the same instilling good principles.

Pietskiet 7/7/2008 1:57:51 PM
I find your suggestions offensive, regardless of how you put a positive spin on it. Any backwards, non-scientific African ritual has no place in a civil society. Period. Get with the program and go educate yourself about germs and stuff. I wouldn't submit my daughter to this touristy crap and morally degenerate practice. Africans get offended by calling them names but don't take offence when you kill a comrade or a bratha with a necklace in the township. Become Westernised and prosper.

Schmied 7/7/2008 1:58:30 PM
You keep blaming this on the West and its reaction to your cultural practises but you have no evidence for this and it is your chosen African government that has implemented these child protection laws. Have you ever even taken the time to ask the women involved whether they feel comfortable with these ritual practises? You just seem like a weak male chauvinist who would like to keep African traditions that suit you. Are young black men meant to be virgins, too? If not, who do they have sex with?

Freshly Ground 7/7/2008 1:58:46 PM
That was damn funny. I can't wait for the next exiting installment. Clearly our writer is only driving on three wheels these days. If I ever have a daughter I'll make damn sure that nobody goes near her with any traditional instrument. In fact I'll lock her in a basement and save her for the enjoyment of his royal highness only.

masingita 7/7/2008 2:02:04 PM
You guys have no idea of what is happening during these ceremonies. Let me tell you mina who is been doing it since the age of 10, My sisters went thru the same thing too and none of us were forced by our parents to do it. There is more than just looking inside us to see if we are still virgins or not, we also get advise and teachings and if your hymen was broken due to riding a bycycle that can be seen too. So before punching and kicking other people's culture ask first then comment

masingita 7/7/2008 2:02:38 PM
You guys have no idea of what is happening during these ceremonies. Let me tell you mina who is been doing it since the age of 10, My sisters went thru the same thing too and none of us were forced by our parents to do it. There is more than just looking inside us to see if we are still virgins or not, we also get advise and teachings and if your hymen was broken due to riding a bycycle that can be seen too. So before punching and kicking other people's culture ask first then comment

Marinda 7/7/2008 2:02:40 PM
For once Unathi I don't agree with you. Sorry. There is no proof of the accuracy of the so-called "testing". Much like the other private bits on our bodies the hymen comes in all shapes and sizes. What of the girls who are told they are not virgins when in fact they are? I presume only the girls who are sure they are virgins go for the test or is it enforced? And with the HIV infection rates out of control in KZN there seems to be little evidence that virgin testing has had any impact

Viparo 7/7/2008 2:06:53 PM
I agree that cultures should be respected, 200%, but you have to draw the line somewhere man. Although, could be a good chat-up line. " Hey darling, can I check your virginity?" Maybe I should start up my freelance gynecologist practice again.

Ninbin 7/7/2008 2:07:16 PM
So tell me Unathi, because I really want to know, EXACTLY how is it that these people ascertain for certain whether these girls are virgins or not?? Because I'm not a doctor or anything, but there is NO method to determine virginity, or lack thereof, so it remains only so much mumbo jumbo

M 7/7/2008 2:07:18 PM
Whether this was meant as satire or not, there is just one little problem with your argument. The other cultural myth which exist amongst some African tribes, namely that if you sleep with a virgin you will be cured of HIV. Now, given the existence of that myth, I do not think that virginity testing is a viable solution to the HIV crisis in SA. Not to mention that you are discriminating against the victims of rape, who did not choose to loose their virginity. By the way, did you wait?

Chrizelle 7/7/2008 2:08:36 PM
Are these "old women" qualified to test if these girls are virgins? How do these women feel if the girls' hymens are still in tact? A bunch of baloney if you ask me!

taurus 7/7/2008 2:12:54 PM
It seems a harmless enough custom (other than the mutilation prevalent in some countries) and I agree that in your culture retaining one's virginity will then be something to be proud of. The question is why? What's the point of being a virgin if chances are you'll be raped to cure someone's AIDS?

ZuluGirl 7/7/2008 2:13:32 PM
Unathi you are soooo right. The fact that you do not understands someones cultural practice does not mean you cannot respect it. To the silly idiot who said we should go back to slavery - you're an idiot and your argument is meaningless. The main aim of this practice is to prevent promiscuity among the youth until they are given in marriage. It does not infring upon anyones right and no girls are forced to go. If you have a problem with that,then maybe you should emigrate.

B & P 7/7/2008 2:16:10 PM
I agree with most of your points Unathi. First off, the girls who take part do so willingly. Second, it is not performed in public for all to see but in private. Thirdly, as with male circumsion (which i undertook), it leaves the girl and her family with pride. Maybe you all should be thinking about this through the girls eyes and not your own.

EvylShnukums 7/7/2008 2:17:47 PM
"To hell with the Children's Act. The Children's Act in itself defies black cultural practises!(sic)" Do tell? Let me remind you that a great many girls and women who contract HIV/Aids are not engaging in consensual sex. Some "cultural practices" like dry sex, and a man's "right" to have multiple partners have far more to do with the spread of the disease than virginity or lack thereof. And why do girls have to be tested? Is their word not good enough? Give us a break from the culture crap please

Patriot 7/7/2008 2:17:50 PM
GHOST I see you fell for that Horse riding story,

ZuluGirl 7/7/2008 2:24:18 PM
1. No girl is ever forced to undergo virginity testing. It's every girls choice. 2. Men have nothing to do with the process - it's initiated by women, run by women for women. 3. The 'what if the man they marry has AIDS' argument is stupid. What if you can runover by a bus tomorrow? People choose the lives they want to live. Who do you think you are to dictate to them what is right and wrong? Respect our culture!!!

RISH 7/7/2008 2:27:16 PM
You dont need virginity testing to stay a virgin. I had the freedom to live my life as I please and I stayed a virgin right through high school and varsity.

cvz 7/7/2008 2:27:17 PM
Quote - 'Another clip on SABC news showed an elderly woman washing her hands and calling the next girl' - shouldnt this elderly lady be using gloves or something - the mere thought of what this "testing" entails, makes me wonder what these poor girls go through! argh!

ZuluGirl 7/7/2008 2:30:45 PM
The virginity testing is a rites of passage practice that includes counselling around a variety of issues affecting young girls. It is NOT a scientific experiment to determine virginity to the n-th degree. It is merely a practice that encourages young girls to preserve themselves. Where is the harm in that?

M 7/7/2008 2:32:29 PM
Promote sexual abstinence but not virginity testing. This might be a traditional thing for Zulus and even though their traditions should be respected, the rights of the girls should be respected too. And what happens to girls that aren't deemed virgins by the "specialist" even though they are?Then again all cultures have "weird" traditions, if it doesn't harm someone (which I personally think it does in this case) let it be.

mallencolly 7/7/2008 2:33:05 PM
To hell with the Childrens Act? Im sorry, a culture that doesnt respect and PROTECT there children is a culture that deserves no respect. And as EvylShnukums says, is their word not good enough? Please, if you want to stop the spread of AIDS, keep your trousers up and learn some respect for women. No rape, no dry sex, no multiple parners, no prostitutes.

JUSTIN 7/7/2008 2:40:37 PM
Unathi Kondile, I think you're missing a couple of things. As a westener, I too frown upon promiscuous sexual practices. However, there is no scientific manner to determine whether virginity is intact or not. The hymen can break while inserting a tampon, while horse riding or spontaneously. And as for it is working to keep down HIV numbers, why is it that KZN has the highest incidence of HIV in the country? This so-called testing is a gross human rights violation!

Colleen 7/7/2008 2:40:54 PM
Teenagers try anything, whether they're going to be caught or not. They always want to do what the so called "adults" do whatever the consequences. It has been proven that heterosexual Aids is passed on far easier from male to female than from female to male. One of the big reasons there is such a huge Aids crisis amongst females is because men find it so difficult to keep faithful to one partner. How many married woman have Aids and have only ever had one sexual partner? Whether these girls prove their virginity or not will make no difference to the spread of Aids. This whole article smacks of sexism which, in my book, is as bad as racism.

Mandigo 7/7/2008 2:43:07 PM
Funny enough, most of these people saying it's a barbaric culture, are not part of the culture nor having any knowledge about it. The girls looked very happy and proud of themselves when I saw them on TV. To the one who said something about circumcision, stick to your own culture that works for you and stop criticising others.

Malcolm X 7/7/2008 2:43:23 PM
The Zulus should be allowed to do what they like. They must just be kept in their own cage. We don't need these animals to share their cultures with us.

Unathi 7/7/2008 2:49:02 PM
Let's not be quick to criticize what we do not know. As "masingita" says, the testing is not only about inspection but also about giving advise and teachings to girls. It has a more significant cultural bearing for the young girls - who VOLUNTEER to do it, and not forced. Once again, deep rooted psychological preduces prevail over African cultural practices. All I'm saying is that we should also look at the positives of this practise and not jump to "It's barbaric - let's ban it!"

SpytiK 7/7/2008 2:55:36 PM
Why all the fuss on something that is part of another person's culture? I must admit that I don't understand the whole thing, but that's the differences that could make this country great. The beauty is that I don't have to understand it to let it be. These girls weren't forced to take part and as yet, nobody has tried to impose it on me, so I shut the hell up

Will 7/7/2008 2:55:54 PM
Mr Kondile On what grounds do someone decide if the girl is still a virgin? As a medical proffesional I can tell you that there is no scientific way to prove if someone is still a virgin! And if you think that the fright of HIV is what should prevent girls from losing their virginity, let it be just that and not the fear of barbaric testing. This is horrific

Sue 7/7/2008 2:57:59 PM
Let's start checking to see if the men are still virgins and have their privates exposed to everyone and then see if their story stays the same. Affronted black woman I agree with you 100%. Now here is someone who thinks before writing. Strange how we can believe in keeping our girls virgin's and also believe that raping a virgin cures AIDS all in one country!

wefnoi 7/7/2008 2:59:30 PM
There is such a thing as a virgin without a hymen. What happens to those girls?

JUSTIN 7/7/2008 3:00:13 PM
Unathi Kondile, I think you're missing a couple of things. As a westener, I too frown upon promiscuous sexual practices. However, there is no scientific manner to determine whether virginity is intact or not. The hymen can break while inserting a tampon, while horse riding or spontaneously. And as for it is working to keep down HIV numbers, why is it that KZN has the highest incidence of HIV in the country? This so-called testing is a gross human rights violation!

Truth 7/7/2008 3:05:09 PM
...of William Faulkner: "No man can cause more grief than one clinging blindly to the vices of his ancestors."

Luzuko 7/7/2008 3:12:24 PM
I share your sentiment, but what is the point of virginity testing if it is going to focus on girls only? What is the reason for such practice, is it because the KING wants some untainted meat or is it an honorable cultural method of HIV/AIDS prevention (I doubt the later), anyway the girls will be virgins till they meet an HIV infested man, then what? People must just be true to themselves without being subjected to any form of unnecessary physical violation, celibacy need not be tested bcz only the KING benefits!

Luzuko 7/7/2008 3:13:39 PM
I share your sentiment, but what is the point of virginity testing if it is going to focus on girls only? What is the reason for such practice, is it because the KING wants some untainted meat or is it an honorable cultural method of HIV/AIDS prevention (I doubt the later), anyway the girls will be virgins till they meet an HIV infested man, then what? People must just be true to themselves without being subjected to any form of unnecessary physical violation, celibacy need not be tested bcz only the KING benefits!

Bokfan 7/7/2008 3:17:40 PM
Unathi "To hell with the children's act" What an idiotic statement in defence of a madieaval and brutal parctice. Rather have mandatory HIV testing instead of this barbaric and degrading throwback. Pity your mouth is way larger than your brain.

Karen 7/7/2008 3:19:12 PM
People have said that it is the girls choice to take part in this ritual? I would like to know from them what happens to the girls who choose not take part? Are they presumed to not be virgins unless they proove it? Are they ridiculed and chastised by the rest of the community? Or is their decision respected? Somehow I suspect the former rather than the latter. And to those that want to know why we care about things that don't affect us....we care about the rights of others, not just our own.

VG 7/7/2008 3:26:07 PM
..on the one hand you're saying "those who volunteer to do it" but the title of your letter refers to virginity testing as " a must". and its this attitude that one "must" that is worrisome.Obviously, if everyone feels they must, the one girl who exercises her right to say no will be a virtual outcast.

Rian 7/7/2008 3:28:18 PM
From what I've just read up it might not be a bad idea if: A clean pair of surgical gloves are used on every girl to ensure that there is no risk of transmiting HIV from one infected girl to the girls that are examined after her. Also the appears to be a school of thought that is pro testing but against sex education. This is unwise as children need to learn about condoms etc. So that when they decide to have sex they know how to protect themselves.

mb 7/7/2008 3:31:30 PM
There's always a problem when cultures are abused, the idea is good morally but then since everything is so abused these days, lets all be free and choose what we want and also face the consequences of our actions, that would be a perfect world!!!

Richard Hipkin 7/7/2008 3:46:42 PM
The manner in which you approach discussions and debate is disgusting. Since when do you disrespect someone by insulting them and degrading them and then try and argue your point across. No wonder we not going anywhere in this country as we are constantly intolerant of each other - go and learn some life skilss and most importantly, respect!

Annoy 7/7/2008 3:47:43 PM
I you bring you child up correctly and have full family value,then you will have the faith and the trust, the you child will not go arround sleeping with all the boys and visa versa.Dont get me statred on you comments of the weastern world.That is stupid of you to mention.....It is called evolution and that is what we are all striving too and beyond, for a better life for all.If we did not evolve we would still be walking on all fours.We are ment to be a first worl county.........................

mb 7/7/2008 3:56:34 PM
People should know what is culture, it is being an idiot to suggest that "The belief of being cured of aids by sleeping with a virgin" is an indigenous belief. People should do research before spewing all the gabbage stored in them.

Sydney 7/7/2008 4:02:17 PM
Beautifully written dude! Regardless of my opinion on the matter it clearly highlights just another true cultural issue coming under fire by everyone else! Point taken! Why not refer to it as religion? Does wonders for circumcision and its believers!

masingita 7/7/2008 4:03:12 PM
It is clean and it is done by old women who are experienced and they do use precutions since they know that we are living in a crazy world of deseases so hygenicaly it is safe

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