Proud maidens encourage purity
“This is to encourage them to focus in their studies and to become better and responsible citizens," she said.
Kwa-Thema – Proud maidens were out in numbers at the Mkhancwa informal settlement as part of Lesego Modise’s umemulo celebrations on Saturday.
This is a traditional ceremony that commemorates the coming of age of a young Zulu woman.
This ceremony marks the transition of a Zulu girl into womanhood, signifying that she is now ready for marriage.
It is a reward from the girl’s parents for “good behaviour” or remaining a virgin.
The 21-year-old was flanked by a group of proud maidens from Thembisa, Daveyton, Duduza and Kwa-Thema.
The second-year college student said she is a proud of her milestone.
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“It was not an easy journey because my peers, some of whom have boyfriends and children, mocked me for my decision to remain pure.
“I feared that if I lost my virginity at a young age my plans for a better future might not come true,” said Modise.
She added she is encouraging other young women not to fall into the trap of being pressured by friends to lose their virginity when they are not ready.
The group sang and danced to welcome the young women into womanhood.
The celebrations started on Friday night, with the participants attending an overnight workshop led by elderly women.
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Gogo Oumazile Maphanga (61) said during the camp, the maidens are taught how young women are expected to carry themselves in society.
“In the morning they attend the virginity testing ceremony where they are certified still pure.
“This is to encourage them to focus on their studies and to become better and responsible citizens,” she said.
Maphanga added her school, which is based in Daveyton, has 300 proud virgins.
“I am happy that more and more young women are enrolling in the school and heeding the call to refrain from sleeping around when they are still young.
“At the age of 21, they are old enough to make informed decisions about their lives and future without being influenced by peer pressure,” she added.
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