Social Development Minister Dina Pule has held an engagement with His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at Mashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal to discuss the department’s national study on societal perceptions of virginity inspection in South Africa.
The engagement sought to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional leadership in understanding the cultural, social and ethical implications of virginity inspection, while ensuring that the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of children remain protected.
The department has commissioned the study to develop a comprehensive understanding of how virginity inspection is perceived and practised across the country.
The research will examine the experiences and perspectives of affected individuals, including traditional leaders, parents, caregivers, young people and other relevant stakeholders.
It will also assess whether the existing regulatory framework provides adequate protection for children.
The study will be conducted across all nine provinces and will include 1000 quantitative face-to-face interviews, 10 focus group discussions with people who have undergone virginity testing and up to 33 key informant interviews.
During the engagement, the Minister emphasised that the department’s approach is not intended to undermine African culture and traditions, but to promote constructive dialogue and ensure that policy decisions are informed by credible research and meaningful consultation.
“Government recognises the important role played by traditional leadership in preserving our cultural heritage, guiding communities, and passing values from one generation to the next.
“Our responsibility is to work together to ensure that cultural considerations are approached with respect, while safeguarding the rights and best interests of every child,” Pule said.
The Minister highlighted the importance of engaging traditional leaders and communities throughout the research process to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and considered before any policy recommendations are made.
The King commended the department’s proposed partnership and expressed support for initiatives that protect children’s rights while preserving cultural heritage and traditions.
He emphasised that boys should not be left behind in discussions on cultural practices, particularly male circumcision, which is practised in many parts of the country.
He urged the department to work closely with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to engage other traditional leaders and strengthen collaboration on the initiative.
The King also highlighted the need to support old-age homes and children’s homes. He indicated that the department will be invited to visit the facilities to assess their needs and explore possible areas of support.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships between government and traditional leadership to address social challenges, protect vulnerable groups, uphold children’s rights and preserve cultural values.
The department affirmed its commitment to an evidence-based and consultative approach to the study.
“The findings will help inform the assessment of existing regulations and guide possible policy recommendations, taking into consideration cultural perspectives, as well as the constitutional and legislative obligations to protect children,” the department explained.
Traditional leaders, communities and relevant stakeholders are urged to participate constructively in the research process, share their perspectives and contribute to an informed understanding of virginity inspection in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
