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King urges HIV tests for brides
Philani Makhanya. 13 September 2004.The Mercury. Republished courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has urged young women to undergo HIV tests to determine their status before getting married.
This year's reed dance ceremony, which was held at the Enyokeni royal palace in KwaNongoma, was used to promote moral regeneration by encouraging young girls to abstain from pre-marital sex to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
KwaZulu-Natal is believed to have the highest number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in the country, and the King is adamant that traditional ceremonies like the reed dance can help curb the spread of the disease.
Zwelithini, who was also celebrating his 56th birthday, lambasted greedy individuals who were using traditional virginity testing to make money. He said the testing of virgins was a private affair which should be done away from the public glare.
"Young people who want to get married should have themselves tested first, so that they will know their HIV status before making lifetime commitments," he told the 20 000 maidens taking part in the ceremony.
The colourful ceremony, held in hot weather at the weekend, was attended by dignitaries including Deputy President Jacob Zuma and his Nigerian counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, who was in Durban for the South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission.
Also present was the Chairman of the House of Traditional Leaders, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and KwaZulu-Natal Premier S'bu Ndebele.
The maidens - who came from all over KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and neighbouring Swaziland - were led by Princess Nqobangothando to present the reed to the king.
Not even the heat could dampen the spirit of the young maidens who sang traditional songs while waiting for the arrival of the king.
"Those individuals who corrupt our culture of virginity- testing to generate income for themselves should be condemned," the king said.
Zwelithini said it was encouraging that young women from urban areas were also attending.
Earlier, Buthelezi told the maidens that it was an achievement that they had been able to preserve their purity despite the intense pressures and demands of modern lifestyles.
"The celebration is a living testimony that our traditions have not been lost," he said. |
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