On a sunny day in South Africa, a group of girls lined up to be tested not on math or spelling, but on something far older: the names of their chiefs, the meanings of their traditional dress, and the stories of their tribal roots. The occasion was the Isiqhova Best Inkciyo competition, organised by a woman named Amanda Gxagxa, who wants young South Africans to feel proud of a heritage she fears many of them have forgotten.
Gxagxa founded Ibuyambo Traditionals in 2024 to teach, protect and grow indigenous culture among the young people of her community. Her goal is simple but bold: to build pride and reconnect young people with the traditions of their ancestors. "Most young South Africans are growing up disconnected from their roots," she said. So she created a space where tradition and modern life could meet.
A central part of that work is virginity testing, a cultural practice meant to teach girls self-respect and cultural values. In South Africa, the law is clear about this: the Children's Act sets the legal age for virginity testing at 16, and the child's own consent is required. Some of the girls in Ibuyambo's programme, including girls quoted in this story, are younger than that.
The recent competition was designed to make participating girls feel celebrated. Gxagxa organised a cash prize to honour the girls for preserving a culture she worries is slipping away. The event tested them on their tribal background, their traditional dress and what it means, and their knowledge of their chiefs and headmen. It was a way of saying: you are seen, and you matter.
Ibuyambo also runs an IsiXhosa dialogue, where people gather to talk and teach one another about their roots. "We mix the traditional and modern ways of approach," Gxagxa said. "We will continue creating spaces where girls practising virginity testing feel safe, ask questions, build confidence, and respect themselves and everyone."
The biggest hurdle is money. "We are using our own money and some parents do assist, but most of them don't have money," Gxagxa said. "But we don't leave the kids behind. We are doing this together, and we hope that one day we will get the funding."
For the families involved, the choice to join is deeply personal. Nolwethu Nonkebe's two daughters, aged between 10 and 14, take part in the practice. "I was fortunate enough that my kids chose to join the practice of virginity testing, because it must be their decision, not the parents', to join it," she said.
Linamandla Ndamase, 15, a Grade 9 learner, joined at age 10. For her, the practice is a source of strength. "Being part of virginity testing is good. It keeps me grounded, teaches me respect, and I am learning a lot of things about my roots," she said. "And I cannot do that thing I am not supposed to do until I get married."
As Ibuyambo pushes forward on its own savings and the goodwill of a few parents, Gxagxa holds onto a vision of a future where young South Africans carry their heritage with pride — and where no child is left behind.