SIPHELELE NKETO
THE pivotal role played by onomehlo, maiden guardians, in nurturing young women in the area of Kokstad, was applauded and supported at the last weekend reopening programme of the cultural practice at Shayamoya Community Hall.
The practice safeguards young maidens from as young as four years old to older ages. Young ladies and girls dressed in traditional wear celebrated the return of the programme after it was put to a halt in December last year due to the year-end holidays.
Nokuzola Hobe, one of the maiden guardians, said that the programme has been raising women and teaching them respect, good behaviour and the importance of education to ensure they are successful in life.
“The programme also raises awareness about gender-based violence and substance abuse such as alcohol and drugs,” she said.
She further said that the programme intends to fight teenage pregnancy by encouraging young women to stay away from sexual intercourse before marriage.
The programme was supported by Councillor Simlindile Njisane, the ANC Youth League Harry Gwala regional member Siseko Mdladla, the Kokstad sub-regional chairperson Abongile Soqinashe, and Zimasa Mbiza, the chairperson of Ward 7 ANC Youth League in Kokstad. They handed over mattresses to support the programme.
