More local girls pass virginity tests

More than a 150 young women between the ages of 14 and 32 have done their parents and society proud by passing voluntary virginity tests at the Pfananani Revelation Christian Church on Saturday.

In an effort to prevent incurable diseases such as HIV/Aids and other related diseases, the church initiated a virginity-testing programme. Young girls around Giyani and Vhembe district get tested in an attempt to encourage them to avoid engaging in sex before marriage. A large group of young women say sex before marriage is a sin and they are still virgins.

Pastor Selaya Famadi of the Revelation Christian Church said the church’s teenagers started with their voluntary virginity testing in 2006, with only 16 of them. “This year, the number has increased to 166, and we have awarded them certificates to encourage them in their choice. We don’t offend those who have already lost their virginity, because God loves them. We are planning to approach businesspeople to encourage the virgins with study bursaries,” said Famadi.

According to him, the parents are very supportive. Famadi further outlined that there was a team of ladies at the church who supervised and monitored the girls in the programme.

Dr Tshilidzi Rambau of Khanimambo Medical Centre couldn’t believe that the 166 young women were still virgins. He advised them not to expose themselves to pornographic material. “I was amazed to discover that they are all virgins,” he added. The guest speaker during the event, Dr Selina Maluleke ,said they must be educated in order to add value to the economy of the country. She said that the marriages of people who had already been involved in sexual activities did not last. She encouraged them to believe that God would provide a real husband.

One of the ladies who passed the test is Ms Cecilia Raswiswi (32). Raswiswi said she did not allow peer pressure to control her life. “Although many teenagers may regard these actions as stupid, I know what I am doing,” she said. She said she was succeeding because she had chosen good role models.More local girls pass virginity tests

News - Date: 11 July 2014

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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