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AmaZulu maidens hold up their reeds during a traditional ceremony.
Virginity testing is a crucial component ahead of the Reed Dance and is conducted by respected maiden minders. However, the practice is viewed by some organisations as a violation of human rights.
Cultural expert Hlengiwe Ngcongo says maidens are not forced to attend.
“I don’t think it’s fair that organisations are fighting this part of culture. There are good ways of doing it and as I’ve mentioned, they are not forcing maidens to test or to infringe on their rights. This is a family and the maiden’s decision. I don’t think some people against it know why it’s being done. It’s historical. The virginity testing is not done at the royal palace. It’s done in the communities by respected maiden minders and also in their districts. Preparations are done. The girls go through school and then they attend the reed dance,” says Ngcongo.
VIDEO | Reed Dance
