Editor – There was a time when girls kept their virginity until they were married.
Nowadays, they throw it away so fast because that is considered normal in the fast food, TV-addicted world of ours.
Queen Elizabeth I, known throughout the then embattled England as the “Virgin Queen”, helped secure England’s mastery of the seas.
The title “Virgin” was a mark of respect for Elizabeth and when I link it to our district mayor I trust it is also seen as a mark of respect.
So when our own “Virgin Mayor”, Dudu Mazibuko, chose to uphold the virtues of isZulu-maidenhood, the world went crazy.
Imagine young girls’ virginity making international news!
Yet what the world fails to understand is that these girls are not all 18 years old, Some remain virgins into their late 30s.
These girls – like the mighty isZulu Impis, the aMakhozi and the Reed Dance – are all part of a cultural heritage of a proud people.
I may not agree with giving the bursaries, but I respect the rights of these young women to be proud of their virginity. I also respect the rights of all Zulus to pay respects and be obedient to their king, or their rights not to.
It is just as important to me that my rights are respected… My right to worship, to be proud of my own heritage and to live in a country that is truly free.
While others are baying for blood and claiming that women’s rights are being abused, I am just so proud of our “virgin mayor”, as she leads where others will surely follow.
Ironically, those who complain fail to understand that by defending these young women, she is defending your rights as well.
