Viral Portal News: maintain

South African mayor offers scholarship for girls who maintain their virginity

Unknown 8:24 AM African , Girls’ , maintain , Mayor , offers , Scholarship , South , Their , virginity

<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">South Africa mayor offers full-scholarship to girls who will maintain their virginity</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">The mayor started the scholarship program to discourage youths from engaging in early sex</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">The scholarships were given to 16 girls who all need to keep their virginity throughout their studies</li> </ul>KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa – A mayor in South Africa offers full-scholarship to girls who will maintain their virginity. An article by Lila Randall for <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/6922639/Its-my-only-chance-of-a-good-education-Girls-offered-top-scholarships-if-they-can-prove-theyre-VIRGINS.html">The Sun</a> published in February said the scholarship was given to 16 girls and is only valid if the students will keep their virginity throughout their studies. South African student Thubelihe Dlodlo is about to start her studies but she must pass a test to prove she is still a virgin in order to continue to receive school funding. The South African mayor started the scholarship program to discourage youths from engaging in early sex; thus, reducing the number of young pregnancies, HIV and AIDS. Dlodlo, 18 years old from the Emcitsheni village in rural KwaZulu-Natal, is obliged to have regular virginity tests to continue receiving school funding. “Remaining a virgin is my only chance to get an education because my parents can’t afford to take me to school,” she said. <div id="attachment_241890" style="width: 310px;" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/D19A/production/_88185635_thubi.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-241890"><img alt="Photo Credit: BBC News" class="size-full wp-image-241890" height="200" src="http://kickerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BBC-News.jpg" width="300"/></a> Photo Credit: BBC News </div> “Virginity testing is part of my culture, it is not an invasion of my privacy and I feel proud after I’m confirmed to be pure,” she added <a href="http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/my-virginity-will-change-my-future-vows-south-african-student-1285520">NDTV</a> mentioned in their article published on March 9 that Dlodlo is already two years over the age of consent in Africa but decided to keep her virginity to avail the scholarship. Although 16 is the age of consent in Africa, an exception makes it legal for young people over the age of 12 but under 16 to engage in sexual activity. A retired nurse, known as “Mum Dudu”, conducts the virginity tests and gives speeches at schools. The nurse admits her tests are not scientifically proven; however, she claims to check for a number of signs to show the girl has not had any sexual intercourse. “The social standing of young women who remain virgins increases and many girls take pride in their results after being tested,” Mum Dudu said. An article by <a href="http://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/it-really-pays-off-to-remain-a-virgin">Khaleej Times</a> published on March 10 said that the program is being slammed by human rights groups; saying it is sexist and claiming it is unfair linking opportunity through education negatively to sex. “What is really worrying is that they are only focusing on the girl child and this is discriminatory and will not address problems with teenage pregnancy and HIV infection rates,” said Palesa Mpapa from the People Opposing Women Abuse group. Meanwhile, Dudu Mazibuko, the Mayor of the uThukela municipality said he introduced the scholarship believing it is “not a reward but a lifelong investment in the life of a girl.” The mayor added that those who make a “different life choice” are not condemned as various scholarships to suit different needs are provided. <a href="http://kickerdaily.com/south-african-mayor-offers-scholarship-for-girls-who-maintain-their-virginity/" rel="nofollow">Kicker Daily News</a>

South Africa mayor offers full-scholarship to girls who will maintain their virginity The mayor started the scholarship program to discourag...