Commission rules maiden bursaries are discriminatory
The Commission for Gender Equality has concluded that the uThukela District Municipality's Maidens Bursary programme is discriminatory and goes against the Constitution.
The Commission began looking into the bursary scheme in February after receiving complaints from political parties and some members of the public.
Also read: Gender Equality Commission to get to bottom of Maiden Bursary scheme
At the time, uThukela Mayor Dudu Mazibuko defended the bursaries - saying they are only meant to encourage young girls to abstain from sex and focus on their education.
Spokesperson for the Commission Javu Baloyi says they've recommended a meeting between the South African Local Government Association, the KZN Legislature and the Commission.
"We cannot give bursaries based on the sexuality of a person - whether they are maidens or not. What about girls that are not maidens and those that get raped? What about those who are deserving but don't believe in going through virginity testing?
"That's what the Commission has recommended that it's inconsistent with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa," he said.