Maiden inspector says umemulo helps raise confident, grounded young women in Alexandra

The traditional Zulu coming-of-age ceremony, umemulo, can help address growing concerns around teenage pregnancy, according to Alexandra maiden inspector Philisiwe Mpongose.

Mpongose was speaking during Mbali Mbele and Sizakele Mbele’s umemulo, a coming-of-age ceremony that recognises them for remaining maidens and earning the respect of their elders. They are among young women she has been guiding, and they held their ceremony on September 26.

Read more: Mbali and Sizakele Mbele celebrated with Umemulo ceremony in Alexandra

Umemulo is often seen as a rural practice, but those at the ceremony said its lessons matter just as much in urban areas. Mpongose said the value lies in conduct, particularly self-respect and respect for others. Since she began working with young maidens in the area, she said, local teachers have thanked her for the positive social impact on teenagers.

She said guiding young women and keeping them from relations with men before they turn 21 protects them at an age when, in her view, they cannot yet think fully for themselves and when peer pressure is a serious concern. She noted that, according to her observations, the practice has also reduced teenagers’ exposure to teenage pregnancy, and by extension the rate of teenage pregnancy.

Sizakele said the journey taught her perseverance, patience and self-respect. “Respecting yourself does not mean you are falling behind.”

Also read: Virginity testing helps prevent unwanted teenage pregnancies, says Alex’s Philisile Mpongose

Mbali said the most important lesson of umemulo is that a woman must take care of herself. “A woman must learn to love herself and behave well. When they are grown, they will be able to pass those values to their children.”

She said she aspired to celebrate her 21st birthday as her mother did, and that this kept her going. She added that parental guidance also played a role. “We were never going to leave and acquaint ourselves with people who are ill-disciplined.”

Sizakele’s mother, Barbara Busang, said her daughter has always known what she wants. “She said she wants to remain a maiden and have no children before marriage,” she said, recalling the day her daughter told her about joining a group of maidens. Her uncle, Themba Mbele, said he hopes the ceremony will dispel the idea that umemulo belongs only to rural homesteads.

Mpongose added that she hopes it will also dispel the idea that culture and education are in conflict. Both women are furthering their studies at institutions of higher learning, and Sizakele is in her final year at university.

Mpongose said schooling comes first. “The important part is that we put schools first and the maidenhood follows,” she said, stressing the importance of being an educated maiden.

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