Tembisa girls take part in Reed Dance

The Rabie Ridge-based Matshitshi Empela group attended this year’s Umkhosi Womhlanga at one of King Zwelithini’s palaces at Enyokeni in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.

The group participated in the Reed Dance that took place on Saturday last week.

According to the cultural activist and founder of Matshitshi Empela, Ms Gladys Sangweni, her group has increased tremendously this year.

“All the girls underwent a virgin test conducted by elderly women from the community,” she said.

Ms Sangweni said her group speaks one language, which is abstinence.

“This year we held several awareness campaigns about abstinence through churches and events. The group has grown from 34 to 51 members,” she said.

Ms Sangweni said her daughter, Sfiso Sangweni who is still a virgin, makes things simpler for her as she inspires the girls.

“She was accused of not being a virgin during last year’s Reed Dance. She had to undergo a virgin test again and the elderly woman found she was a virgin. The accusers had to apologise to her,” said Ms Sangweni.

Young Sangweni said she enjoyed this year’s Reed Dance.

“I was looking forward to meeting the people who accused me. I wanted to prove them wrong as I am still a virgin and will be until I get married,” she said.

When asked what keeps her going, she said she keep busy with her business of selling beats and studies.

“My little business has grown and I am proud to say community members in the area have been very supportive. I have never come across an insult or challenge in Tembisa,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Glecia Mathebula (20) who is an orphan, said the group helped her secure her virginity.

“I have learnt a lot from the group and I regard myself lucky as I do not have parents. Ms Sangweni, my sisters and the church pastor are doing great work in raising me,” she said.

Matshitshi Empela will host a birthday celebration for Ms Mathebula when she turns 21 next year.