The Revelation Christian Church’s voluntarily virginity testing is shaping the lives of teenagers at Mulima-Pfananani village in Tshitale area, said Pastor Selaya Famadi.

The congregation celebrated the Day of the Virgins by encouraging 36 teenagers to undergo a virginity test at Dr Tshilidzi Rambau’s practice at Khanimambo Medical Centre in Louis Trichardt. “I was amazed to discover that they are all virgins,” said Dr Rambau afterwards.

Selaya said his church introduced the programme of voluntary virginity testing in 2006 and 16 teens volunteered. Last year, they had 22 teenagers who passed the test and now the number has increased to 36.

“We allow teenagers from the age 14 upwards. We don´t force it upon anyone and it doesn´t mean that those who didn´t go for a test are not Christians. After passing the virginity test, they receive certificates, a beautiful dress and they don´t pay anything,” said Pastor Famadi. According to him, the parents are very supportive and there are even teenagers from neighbouring churches who have asked to take part in the programme.

Ndinavhushavhelo Famadi (19), who is studying Marketing at the Tshwane North College, is among the young women who volunteered for the testing. Famadi said she does 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.

Portia Mutavhatsindi (27), a graduate student at Mass Computer College, agrees. She is staying alone at home and her parents are in Gauteng, but that doesn´t mean she must fool around with men. “I grew up in the church and I am proud of myself. I will lose my virginity after marriage,” she said.

Resoketswe Rambau (18), a mathematical technology student in the Cape Peninsula, is also proud of her virginity, although she is dwelling alone on the college campus. “I am unique and I don’t want to change my lifestyle because I am far away from my parents. I am succeeding because God is with me and I choose good friends,” she said.

One of the parents, Annikie Mukwevho, said she was satisfied with the voluntary virginity testing at the church and hoped that these teenagers would be good mothers after marriage. “I am a single mother and I don’t want to see my daughter suffer like me. I encourage these teenagers to focus on their education, because education is the future,” she said.