Update: CGE says virgin bursaries are unlawful
Considering that the bursary covers a full year of study, the 16 maidens who were awarded bursaries will still retain their bursaries
Introduced by Dudu Mazibuko during her tenure as uThukela District Mayor, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) took exception to the practice of offering bursaries to young women who are “maidens”, ie virgins.
On June 14, 2016, the commission released its final report on the matter, which stressed that the council’s virgin bursaries were unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and should be discontinued.
As a result, council had no other option but to adhere to and implement all of the CGE’s final recommendations.
“It is for the said reasons that council opted to cancel its decision to include a category for maidens in its bursary policy. It is only for the aforesaid reason that the virgin bursaries were discontinued,” commented council.
Considering that these bursaries cover a full year of study, the 16 young ladies who were awarded virgin bursaries will still retain their bursaries.
“The maidens will be considered in other bursary categories offered by the municipality if they apply as ordinary applicants,” said uThukela communications officer Jabulani Mkhonza.
uThukela District Municipality concluded by saying that the virgin bursaries were implemented to promote good behaviour among young girls and to offer financial assistance to academically deserving learners.
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