Sources: IOL and Swaziland public holidays. The new Children's Act, which came into effect this week, outlaws virginity testing of girls younger than the age of 16 and a person who fails to comply with the Act will be arrested, casting doubts about the future of the Umhlanga (aka. Reed Dance) festival and public holiday in Swaziland.
The Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Festival and public holiday attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists to KwaZulu-Natal. During it, thousands of young virgins make their way to King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace in Nongoma. Virginity testing is regarded as a major foundation for the Reed Dance Festival, and most of the girls who take part in the event are younger than 16.
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