In Bulawayo, Patricia Tshabalala, director of the Vulindlela Orphanage Care Centre, is spearheading a unique cultural initiative encouraging girls to remain virgins until marriage. Her project, which currently supports 37 girls known as amatshitshi, was prominently featured during the recent King Mzilikazi commemorations.

Tshabalala, who started the program in 2019 with just 15 girls, proudly shared that some participants have since married and enjoy healthy lives, free from common health issues linked to early sexual activity. The girls, dressed in traditional Ndebele attire, actively took part in the celebrations, chanting “Suka mfana” (“get away, you boys”) to affirm their commitment to chastity, a scene that received warm applause from attendees.

The initiative aims to revive and uphold virginity as a vital cultural value in the Ndebele community, especially in light of rising concerns about HIV infections among young women in neighboring South Africa. Girls as young as five are welcomed into the program after undergoing comprehensive health screenings.

Beyond cultural preservation, Tshabalala emphasizes the health benefits of delaying sexual activity and cautions against the early use of contraceptives, which she links to certain health risks. The center also supports seven boys, called amaguqa, who participate in similar testing and educational activities.

Backing from parents has been strong, with many appreciating the program’s role in fostering healthy lifestyles. Tshabalala envisions a future where these young women marry partners who share their values, creating robust and healthy families.

Her work comes at a critical time, as local leaders raise alarms about youth engaging in dangerous parties involving drugs and alcohol, prompting police interventions. Tshabalala’s project offers a hopeful alternative rooted in cultural pride and health awareness, aiming to guide Bulawayo’s youth toward safer, more fulfilling futures.

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