75-year-old virgin remains committed to lifelong chastity

In the lead-up to the annual Reed Dance Festival in the Zulu nation, a 75-year-old virgin named Ngipheni Ngcobo has pledged to uphold her commitment to lifelong chastity. Ngcobo, who celebrated her 75th birthday on August 15, regularly participates in traditional ceremonies that emphasize the chastity and purity of unmarried women.

Speaking at the Nomkhubulwane Festival in KwaMafunze, Pietermaritzburg, Ngcobo expressed her unwavering dedication to her vow to remain a virgin. "I remain true to my word, and I will never depart from it. I hope that my covenant to remain pure lasts until death because I am old now. I turned 75 years old on the 15th of this month, still a virgin," she affirmed.

Ngcobo holds the belief that maintaining chastity can help young women resist worldly temptations, stating, "I am telling young virgins, it is doable, even though it is challenging. You can remain pure. If you are a virgin, you lead a very clean life." Despite her age, Ngcobo remains determined to participate in this year's Reed Dance, provided the government provides suitable transportation and accommodation.

She explained that due to her advanced age, sleeping in a tent could pose health risks, such as contracting pneumonia, and she would be willing to cover her own expenses if necessary.

The Nomkhubulwane Festival, which has seen significant growth since its inception 15 years ago, has attracted maidens from various regions within KwaZulu-Natal, including Johannesburg. Traditional leaders from KwaBhidla, Mpumuza, Nadi, and Molefes also attended the event. Ngcobo emphasized that the ceremony serves a broader purpose than just celebrating tradition and chastity; it is also a means of seeking protection and well-being for the nation, traditional leaders, and the natural environment.

"The nation gets life and protection. Amakhosi (traditional leaders) also receive this protection because when we go up to the mountain to pray, we also pray for amakhosi s lives," she explained. Additionally, the festival underscores respect for nature and the preservation of communities from natural disasters. "Even here at Nomkhubulwane we respect nature and Mother Nature.

When we have the Nomkhubulwane Festival, we do so to solidify the nation against any natural disasters," Ngcobo emphasized.

Preparations for the festival commence on August 2, as participants travel to the mountain to offer sacrifices and prayers for the ceremony's success. Ngcobo believes that these traditional practices are crucial in preserving Zulu customs and imparting cultural values to younger generations.