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King Misuzulu backs study on virginity testing

Published

Social Development Minister Dina Pule met the King at Mashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola on Sunday. The department's national study will cover all nine provinces, and the King urged closer work with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

The department commissioned the study on virginity inspection. It will include 1000 face-to-face interviews, 10 focus group discussions and up to 33 key informant interviews. The focus groups will involve people who have undergone virginity testing.

Pule said the approach does not aim to undermine African culture and traditions. She said it aims to promote constructive dialogue and evidence-based policy. She said: "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,"

The King said boys should not be left behind in discussions on cultural practices, particularly male circumcision.

Key facts

Who
Dina Pule (Social Development Minister); Misuzulu kaZwelithini (King (His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini)); Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (government department urged by the King to collaborate on the initiative)
What
The Social Development Minister engaged the King on the department's commissioned national study of virginity inspection, which will cover all nine provinces with 1000 face-to-face interviews, 10 focus group discussions and up to 33 key informant interviews. The King backed the partnership and urged closer work with CoGTA.
When
25 October 2026
Where
Mashobeni Royal Palace, Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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