Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the quiet shade of eMthunzini weSigiya, nestled at Emthunzini, amid Bulawayo’s bustling high-density suburbs, a quiet cultural renaissance is underway.
Here, young girls gather not just for meals or shelter, but for lessons in self-worth, cultural pride, and the preservation of a sacred tradition: ukungatshintshwa, virginity until marriage.
At its core is Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu, launched in 2020 to make a difference. Speaking to Sunday Life, co-founder Ashley Moyo explained that the movement emerged to preserve culture and protect youth from social decay.
“We successfully launched Sigiya Ngama Tshitshi (We pride ourselves on virgins) after seeing the growing need to safeguard our youth and preserve our culture, which was beginning to disintegrate. The result was moral and social decay.”
Moyo, alongside Matron Sheila Sibanda, witnessed the consequences of cultural erosion: drug abuse, exploitation, early pregnancies, the spread of HIV, and a disconnect from heritage.
“We saw this as a threat to the wellness of future generations and the preservation of our roots and Ubuntu bethu. So we decided to start this initiative to guide girls off the streets and help them understand the importance of saving their virginity until marriage.”
“Our goal is to instil self-pride and wholesomeness so the youth can grow into great leaders and mothers of tomorrow.”
The movement is preparing its most significant public celebration yet, the Amatshitshi Festival, set to take place at the White City Stadium next year. For Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu, Amatshitshi are more than individuals; they are symbols of respect, dignity, and pride in the community.
“Amatshitshi carry a deep, significant role in our culture,” Moyo said.
He said the Amatshitshi Festival is a grand celebration and recognition of the girls.
“This festival is to celebrate Amatshitshi, motivate young girls, and reward them for preserving themselves. It’s a way to thank parents, elders, and cultural leaders for supporting the youth,” he explained.
Preparations for the festival are already underway.
“We are currently recruiting Amatshitshi all over the country, and we are calling on the youth to join,” Moyo an-nounced.
At the heart of the movement is eMthunzini weSigiya, the home for Amatshitshi and Intombi. Beyond this central hub, recruitment and support operate across Bulawayo suburbs, including Nkulumane, Mpopoma, Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Hillside. Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu’s reach extends far into rural areas, working closely with traditional leaders.
Bases are active or being established in Matobo (Chiefs Mayenga Fuyana, Bidi, Gwabalanda Mathe), Bulilima (Chief Masendu), Tsholotsho (Chief Mahlathini), Binga (Chief Sinamagonde), with plans for Gwanda (Chief Mathema) and Lupane (Chief Mabhikwa).
“We’re planning our second workshop to set up ogogo and onomehlo for Gwanda, Lupane, and Midlands under Chief Matshazi,” Moyo added.
Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu offers far more than cultural teachings. At eMthunzini and other sites, designated elders, ogogo and onomehlo, ensure the wellness, safety, and security of the girls.
The programme blends academic focus with cultural and life skills.
“We teach school subjects on some days and focus on life skills, culture, and self-awareness on others. We emphasise abstinence, self-love, and self-preservation.”
Workshops cover art, craft, music, dance, photography, and rural projects, including agriculture.
The initiative also supports vulnerable girls who are not virgins due to past abuse or challenges.
“We fight against drug, alcohol, and substance misuse, exploitation, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancies, the spread of STIs and HIV, child trafficking, and peer pressure. Our values encourage girls to maintain their virginity until marriage,” Moyo said.
Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu is taking steps to formalise cultural practices such as virginity testing, a traditional symbol of pride.
“We approached the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture to partner with us. The reception was very positive. We’re now working on a Memorandum of Understanding. They see this aligning with the First Lady’s Nhanga/Gota initiative.”
The movement has already created a wave of empowered young girls who proudly say no to drugs, teenage pregnancies, exploitation, and peer pressure. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
derick.khumalo