SOUTH AFRICAN MAYOR DEFENDS THE DECISION TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIP TO 16 FEMALE UNIV. VIRGINS

South African Mayor, Dudu Mazibuko has defended his decision to award scholarship to 16 female university students on the condition they remain virgins.
Mazibuko said the scheme is intended to reduce HIV, AIDS and unwanted pregnancy among young girls in Uthukele District of Eastern Kwazulu Natal Province.

The Mayor says bursary awardees will have to provide proof from regular virginity tests.

Rights groups have however condemned the scheme saying the conditions of the scholarship violate the rights and dignity of the girl child.

An estimated 6.3 million people in South Africa are HIV positive with more than one in ten people living with the virus.