By Celani Sikhakhane
Dudu Mazibuko, the former mayor of uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, blames black parents and cultural leaders for allowing the maiden’s bursary fund to be stopped.
In 2016, Mazibuko’s district approved a R1-million bursary to help young women, including maidens (virgins), attend higher education.
Out of 67 rural students who benefited, only 16 were maidens. However, the programme was cancelled after women’s rights groups and the Commission for Gender Equality said it discriminated against non-virgins.
“I’m still angry at black parents and cultural leaders for staying quiet while those against the Reed Dance attacked us, claiming the bursary was unfair to non-virgins,” Mazibuko said.
“Our goal was to help reduce teenage pregnancies and encourage young girls to focus on their studies.”
Mazibuko said the bursary fund was meant to help girls avoid teenage pregnancy and reduce the financial strain on taxpayers who support teen mothers through government programmes like the Social Security Agency.
Professor Nomboniso Gasa, a well-known gender activist, fought vigorously against the scheme, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money.
Now retired, Mazibuko plans to start a foundation to raise money for maidens to continue their education.
During the controversy, which gained international attention, Mazibuko received support from the Zulu royal family and the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
In 2018, maidens who benefited from the bursary fund thanked Mazibuko with gifts. Many of them have since graduated, found jobs, or gotten married.
Pictured above: The former mayor of uThukela district municipality, Dudu Mazibuko, with Zulu Princesses Mukelisiwe and Nqobangothando.
Source: X
