A troubling sex scandal has emerged within Bulawayo’s traditional group of v!rgin girls, known as “Amatshitshi,”.
This is after a 16-year-old member turned up pregnant, and has since given birth to a baby boy.
According to B Metro, the teenager, a Form Three student whose identity is being withheld for legal reasons, was actively supported by the Amatshitshi organization, which pays her school fees under the supervision of their matron, Patricia Tshabalala.
The Amatshitshi group is comprised of verified virgin girls educated on s3xual and reproductive health, African traditions, and the importance of maintaining their v!rginity.
In accordance with cultural norms, non-virgin individuals are often barred from performing certain tasks in the homes of traditional leaders.
The news of the girl’s pregnancy has sent shockwaves through the city, forcing her to leave the Amatshitshi organization and ultimately drop out of school—a devastating outcome that coincided with the recent global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which aims to raise awareness about violence against women and girls.
In an interview, Gogo MaTshabalala expressed her dismay, noting that this is the first incident of its kind faced by the group.
She lamented the lack of communication from the girl’s parents regarding the matter, saying, “The fact that her parents chose not to discuss it with us is what hurts me the most. They simply went silent, and the girl vanished.”
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Gogo MaTshabalala conveyed that the organization had invested in the girl’s education, paying US$110 per term. After learning from other girls that the pregnancy was confirmed in November, she became aware of the birth shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, the girl has since disappeared, and communication from her parents remains absent.
Reflecting on the girl’s situation, Gogo MaTshabalala speculated that her family background may have influenced her behavior, noting challenges stemming from her parents’ separation. She reaffirmed her commitment to support the girl despite the difficulties, stating, “I will not abandon her. This should not be the end of her life.”
The matron emphasized the importance of engaging with the girl’s family to address the issue and provide the necessary support. She highlighted the troubling trend of parents concealing serious matters, possibly for financial exploitation, instead of collaborating with organizations dedicated to the welfare of young girls.
In a broader context, a recent legislative change signed into law by President Mnangagwa aims to protect children and young people from s3xual predators.
The Criminal Laws Amendment (Protection of Children and Young Persons) Bill, 2024, raises the age of consent from 16 to 18, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of minors in Zimbabwe.
Gogo MaTshabalala called for increased parental cooperation with organizations like Amatshitshi to ensure that serious matters are addressed transparently, aiming to curb the alarming rates of s3xual @buse against young girls and prevent future tragedies.
