By Akhona Dlamini
There have been many conversations about how moral regeneration can be done in South Africa and there was even a Moral Regeneration Programme that was headed by former president, Jacob Zuma, at a point.
In the rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal, this is done through maiden camps. It’s an ancient culture where young maidens are taught about saving themselves for the right man, mostly marriage, while being taught about other parts of life too. In Bulwer in KwaZulu-Natal, young gather from time to time to learn valuable life skills, cultural values, and the importance of preserving their heritage. “We learn new things every day from our traditional attires, new dances and songs, and the food we eat is carefully selected since there are certain food a virgin should not eat,” says Kholeka Mbanjwa.
Those foods would be considered aphrodisiacs.
Throughout the week, Kholeka and her friends also learn about traditional dances, songs, and clothing.
There would be unomehlo which could be translated to a matron, the woman in charge of things. Counselling is even offered here, we are told. “The camp offers a safe space for the girls to openly discuss their concerns with us or one another as some may be hesitant to talk to their parents,” says unomehlo of this event, Ntombikayise Shoba.
Shoba believes that the camp has helped the community by reducing teenage pregnancy and has taught girls respect and self-love.
The young girls who attend the camp say that the camp is their second home, they love the activities that are done and they also have formed a bond. “I enjoy being here,” Mbanjwa adds.
Despite the camp’s success, some parents have raised concerns about their daughters’ safety when at the event. “We are grateful to the chief, but there are few things we are concerned about. The security system, for instance, was once reported to have been compromised when some girls brought alcohol into the camp,” says one of the fathers, Mandla Mkhize.
He feels that while there is focus on the morals of young girls, similar coaching is needed for their sons as well. “Another thing we would like is something similar for the boys as we are witnessing them changing for the worst,” Mkhize adds.
Similar events take different shapes and forms across the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
