DSD RECEIVES ROYAL ENDORSEMENT FOR VIRGINITY TESTING RESEARCH STUDYDSD RECEIVES ROYAL ENDORSEMENT FOR VIRGINITY TESTING RESEARCH STUDY

By Lucky Thebe

• His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has given his blessing to DSD’s national Virginity Testing Research Study.
• The study will cover all nine provinces, with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, where the practice is most common.
• Consultations with traditional leaders are nearly complete, with the final engagements in the North West and Northern Cape set for early November 2026.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has received the support and endorsement of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini for its national Virginity Testing Research Study – a significant step in advancing evidence-based policy and legislative development.

The study, led by DSD Social Work Manager and Project Lead Ms Nkhensani Shibambu, seeks to explore public perceptions, experiences and views on the practice of virginity testing. Its findings will inform future policy and legislative considerations on the subject.

The research will be conducted across all nine provinces, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, where the practice remains prevalent.
“To ensure that the study is carried out in a culturally sensitive, respectful and inclusive manner, the Department has held extensive consultations with traditional leadership structures,” said Ms Shibambu.

The consultation process began with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and was later extended to the Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as other recognised traditional leadership structures.

Consultations have been concluded in most provinces, with the remaining engagements in the North West and Northern Cape scheduled for early November 2026.

Following consultations with the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, the Department was advised to request an audience with His Majesty to present the purpose and scope of the study, and to seek his guidance and support in his capacity as the custodian of Zulu cultural traditions and practices.

His Majesty welcomed the initiative, commended the Department for observing traditional protocols and granted his blessing for the study to proceed. He further encouraged broader engagement with traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and communities, while emphasising the need to consider related cultural practices in future policy discussions.

The Department regards the King’s endorsement as an important milestone that strengthens the credibility, legitimacy and inclusivity of the research process. It also highlights the value of collaboration between government, traditional leadership and communities on matters of cultural significance.

The Department extends its sincere appreciation to all traditional leadership structures that have contributed to the consultation process and provided valuable guidance on the implementation of the study. As stakeholder engagements continue, preparations for data collection and fieldwork are being finalised.

The Department remains committed to conducting the study in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner that promotes meaningful dialogue, recognises cultural practices and supports informed, evidence-based decision-making.