Thousands Of Maidens March For Abstinence

18 July, 2008

_{NO TO SEX: Maidens march in Ngonyameni}

Picture and Story Written By Themba Khumalo

About 7 000 Zulu maidens braved the cold when they marched to promote abstinence, at Ngonyameni, near Umlazi, recently. They marched from Ngonyameni’s Phakamisa junction to the nearby Mathole Hall, where maidens and dignitaries listened to speeches and watched drama and music.

The initiative was organised by the City Health Department, the Women’s Youth Forum, and the provincial Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism. City Health’s Senior Manager of HIV/Aids Programmes, Jabulile Madondo, said the initiative was aimed at promoting abstinence.

“The number of young people infected and affected by HIV/Aids continues to grow. City Health sees the promotion of abstinence as the only option to deal with this pandemic,” she said. Council Speaker James Nxumalo told the girls that such events “served to revive our culture and heritage. As the Municipality we support such initiatives, which are aimed at fighting HIV/Aids.”

Transport Impressed at the number of maidens who attended, Nxumalo promised he would speak to the Council about helping the maidens with transport when they attend the reed dance later this year. Madondo said the Health Department’s role was to facilitate HIV/Aids education. This included condom use. Zibuyile Mabaso, Chairwoman of Izimbali Zesizwe Le-Theku, which also helped organise the event, said it had been successful thanks to the good relationship among those involved, and thesupport of the Municipality “This initiative will help protect our children from sexually transmitted diseases including Aids,” she said.

Chief Director, of the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism’s, Mpumelelo Mnguni, said it was important for the young to be proud of their culture and heritage. “Such initiatives instill proper morals and behaviour among the youth, that is why we will continue to support them,” he said. Mnguni urged the young not to use drugs. “It leads to irresponsible decision making, which often leads to unprotected sex.

“Don’t engage in sexual activities when you are well aware that it is not the right time for you to do,” said Mnguni.

KhumaloTK@durban.gov.za

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