A group of girls gathered to celebrate being virgins and to receive messages of support from different people and from traditional leaders.

The event was held at the Jeremia Mdaka Primary School in Vosman on Saturday, August 12.

Among the traditional leaders who attended were, guest speaker of the current Zulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini praise singer, Buzetsheni Mdletshe (67).

He is the longest-serving praise singer of the amaZulu nation.

He served under the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu who reigned for just under half a century and is now also doing duty for King Misizulu kaZwelithini.

Professor Nompumelelo Zondi from the University of Pretoria as well as Mr Vusumuzi Ngema from Insika Yesizwe.

The Manala Mgibe royal house, Nzunza Mabhoko royal house and Borholo royal house were also represented in the event.

Mr Ngema encouraged the girls to learn to do things for themselves and assured them that Insika will support them.

He pointed out that Insika is a non-political and non-profit organization advocating for the unity of all South Africans.

The organisation stand for peace, stability and respect for human rights as outlined in the constitution of the country.

“The organisation is a non-political formation with its work emanates from a need to work together irrespective of race, colour, and gender, aiming at a better life for every South African.

We aspire to achieve this by embarking in our uniquely innovative programmes of moral regeneration and reconciliation, strengthening of local house of traditional councils as a model for service delivery, and Integrated Local Economic Development,” said Ngema.

Ngema also advocates that municipalities should support such young girls groups because they face many challenges in schools, at home and within the community and that women should be empowered.

He pointed out that Mary mother of Jesus Christ was virgin and that should make them proud.

Ngema told the girls leaders that they must start saving at a young age and start a cooperative like it is done in Germany so that they can have their own funds to cater for their expenses.

Professor Zondi in her message of support said culture and education were important and that the girls are the flowers of the nation and should be proud of themselves.

“You are beautiful and you are God’s temple and you should be proud of being Africans. I want to thank you and your leaders for taking care of you.

Language and culture plays an important part of our lives. Learn your cultures, respect your elders and share love. Your have power in your hands to make a difference, you are the future of this nation,” Professor Zondi said.

Mdletshe said he was putting his trust in the girls as they have power as young women.

He also encourages the girls to respect the kings and attend the reed dance as it is important to learn about other cultures.

He taught the girls some songs and their meanings.

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