Resoketswe Rambau (22), a mathematical technology graduate at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology participated in an organised virginity test at Kennington Lodge on Saturday. She said that she started with the project in 2006 and is still a virgin.

Rambau said she does not allow peer pressure to control her life. “I am succeeding because God is with me and I choose good friends,” she said.

Pastor Selaya Famadi of the Revelation Christian Church said that the church initiated the programme with the aim of saving and protecting young girls from dangerous diseases like HIV/Aids and other related diseases. Famadi indicated that they never experienced any challenges, as all the girls were very cooperative and abided by the principles that guide them within the programme. He said the church’s teenagers started with their voluntary virginity testing in 2006, when only 16 of them from the Mulima area were tested. “This year, the number has increased to 104 and we expanded to attract many young girls from other area. Girls from Vhembe, Capricorn and Mopani participated in the testing this year."

Famadi further outlined that there was a team of ladies at the church who supervised and monitored the girls in the programme. “The supervision is perfect and the expenses are paid by the church,” he added. “We don't force it upon anyone. After passing the virginity test, they receive certificates, a beautiful dress and they don't pay anything,” he added.

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.