Virginity test ban goes unheeded

[Zenbaas]

Despite the passing of the Children's Act last year, which outlaws virginity testing of girls younger than 16 years, thousands of Zulu maidens across KwaZulu-Natal are undergoing virginity testing in preparation for the Reed Dance at KwaNongoma, near Ulundi, at the weekend.

Most of the girls undergoing testing are younger than 16, and the Act stipulates that failure to comply with the age provision could end in those conducting the tests being arrested.

But amaqhikiza (heads of maidens) and Zulu traditionalists charge that the Act interferes with their culture and was passed without their input.

One of the women responsible for testing in the Nobamba Traditional Authority, outside Ulundi, said hundreds of girls had already been tested in her village.

"We start from the 10-year-olds upwards. The issue of the law was raised last year, but our seniors said we should carry on with the tradition and leave the law to them," said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

So much for the law i guess....just more window dressing.