SEBOKENG.- It was singing, dancing, and ululation when UBuhle Besizwe celebrated maidens, ‘Amatshitshi/Izintombi’ in Zone 13, Sebokeng on Saturday.

This traditional ceremony saw more than 50 young girls gathered together to celebrate their virginity. This traditional ceremony aims to encourage young girls to embrace their worth and wait for the right moment before engaging in sexual activities.

The ceremony was attended by the well-respected men and women in the community to embrace these brave young girls. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Zandile Radebe, who is the founder of this group from Bophelong, hailed this traditional ceremony as a great success.

Radebe said it is important for this kind of traditional ceremony, now and then, to engage these young girls. Tshiamo Nnnete (16) was one of the young girls who were part of this proud traditional ceremony which was held at her home. Radebe told Sedibeng Ster that this ceremony is about embracing young girls’ worth and self-respect.

“We don’t force them to do this, they do it willingly. We encourage other young girls out there to be proud of their maiden “amatshitshi/Izintombi” virginity,” she concluded.