The IFPWB calls for a debate about the introduction of virginity testing at schools, rather than opening virginity testing facilities in schools, as per the proposal made by the NFPYM.
“The issue of virginity is a sensitive one. If a female student cannot meet the requirement, she will be the subject of gossip in the school. We must rather call for an intensified programme that will stress the importance of abstinence from sexual activity among scholars and young people. Values based education is the most powerful weapon to fight the spread of HIV and reduce the number of unwanted teenage pregnancies, ” said IFP Spokesperson on Education, Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL.
“We do not believe that virginity testing should be conducted at schools and are totally against what the NFPYM is saying because this will disrupt the learning process at schools. Their proposal lacks much clarity about how this process will be conducted. Who will fund this project? Who will perform the virginity tests as teachers have their hands full already? How sure are they that the results will be made confidential, to avoid stigma towards those who have failed the virginity tests? This is totally ridiculous. Teachers are not trained for this and they must focus on the core curriculum. Teachers should not be burdened with additional responsibilities which do not fall within their scope of work,” concluded Madlopha-Mthethwa.
The IFPWB calls on leaders from all walks of life to encourage young people to abstain from sex until marriage.
Issued by:
IFP Spokesperson on Education,
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, 079114 3015/ 071 884 3844
For Media Queries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase,
IFP KZN Legislature Media Officer, 073 024 5675