KARABO Tsoaedi (21) celebrated her umemulo in style.
On Saturday, 6 April, cultural groups came in numbers to celebrate Karabo's ceremony in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni.
Umemulo is a Zulu traditional coming of age ceremony for women which is usually done for females at the age of 21.
Karabo's family hosted the ceremony to thank her for staying pure.
During the ceremony, she was showered with money which was put on her hair.
Karabo is a member of Izindlovukazi Zakusasa Organisation. She said she wished for young girls and peers to follow in her footsteps by sticking to their roots while learning how to be better women of the future.
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"We're living in a society that is full of challenges for the youth, especially girls. The organisation has helped me and other girls to stay away from problems and abstain from sexual intercourse.
"Such organisations help to fight teenage pregnancy in our areas. I'm delighted to have made myself and my family proud and through all these years," she said.
Karabo's mum, Ntombi Tsaoedi, said her daughter started attending the organisation when she was 16 years old.
"It's rare for this type of ceremony to be done in the townships. We all know it for happening in the rural areas. The organisation plays a key role in helping to protect our children and encouraging them to abstain. We're proud of Karabo and we slaughtered a cow and a sheep to celebrate her achievement," said Ntombi.
Karabo's uncle, Madoda Tsoaedi, said his family and Karabo's father's family came together to make the ceremony happen.
The founder of Izindlovukazi Zakusasa Organisation, Pretty Zulu, said they pride themselves in enriching the lives of young girls.
"We teach them to talk about any issue like bullying and sexual abuse. We encourage them to stay away from sex, to be independent and to take control of their bodies," said Pret.
She said the organisation was established in 2018 and has 42 girls.
Maria Vilakazi said they brought Ubuhlase Bezwe members to celebrate with the Tsoaedi family.
She said their organization based in Duduza, Ekurhuleni encourages girls to take pride in their virginity while preserving their culture and heritage practices their forefathers left them.
“We encourage abstinence and sexual responsibility among young girls, while also educating them about teenage pregnancy and STIs," she said.
John Ranoko (68) said: "We as men should support such initiative and encourage our grandchildren to attend them.
"Our children are now involved in drugs and the rate of pregnancy is high. I believe parents can allow their children to join these organizations, we can protect many children from being active in sex at a young age," said Ranoko.
