Virgins Bursary Fund ceases to exist.

Funds meant to support rural female virgins has been cancelled in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dudu Mazibuko, the former mayor of uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, has criticized black parents and cultural leaders for failing to protect the maiden’s bursary fund, which was recently terminated. 

Established in 2016, the fund aimed to support young women, including virgins, in pursuing higher education with an allocation of R1 million.

Despite 67 rural students receiving assistance, only 16 were maidens. The initiative faced backlash from women’s rights organizations and the Commission for Gender Equality, who argued that it discriminated against non-virgins. 

This criticism ultimately led to the cancellation of the program, highlighting ongoing tensions between cultural practices and contemporary gender equality concerns.