Idlozi Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting to the latest TikTok sensations; Nompilo Gasela, Nondumiso Sihlagu (24),
Smangele Mngoma (19) and Asanda Zulu (18). They are the latest TikTok sensation #AmatshitshiOdumo, popular among the youth for using social media platforms to encourage young girls to remain pure maidens and promoting cultural pride through dance and music. These young Zulu maidens met through their love and passion for arts and culture. On this sue they spoke to our Editor, Gugu Mhlongo on their journey as young maidens, their choice to remain pure and their decision to attend the annual reed dance. As well as their hobbies, current activities, occupations and future plans.
Through this issue, Idlozi Magazine, hopes to have an impact on the youth and especially young girls to look up to

AmatshitshiOdumo as

inspiration as well as to take their future into their own hands.
Up-close and personal with #AmatshitshiOdumo
Q: Please can you tell me where your inspiration to remaining. pure maidens comes from
Mpilo: I am a Zulu Maiden. I| started this journey at the age of 10. I was encouraged by my older sister. She would take us to ’emuhlolweni” (virginity testing). Where I would see other big girls and be so motivated to become like them. I must truly say that my big sister played a big role! if it wasn’t for her, I do not think I would be the woman that I am today. Most importantly, I thank my mother. She really plays a huge role in our lives. If it wasn’t for her grooming my big sister on how she expects her to carry herself. Maybe my older sister wouldn’t be someone that I looked up to.
Shuduza: I started this journey at the tender age of 6. Ilived with my grandmother in eMandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. I| used to watch older girls going to practice Zulu dancing. I was so inspired and driven by my passion for knowing more about the activity. Everyday after
school, I’d then join the girls in dance practice. One day
‘Gogo’ took us for virginity testing ‘ukuhlolwa’ at KwaMashu in Durban. Here, as young pure maidens we are advised to keep away from peer pressure, we are told how to keep ourselves pure. There are also many good teachings a young girl can take away. Q. What is your opinion on young maidens using social media to find rich husbands?
Indoni kaZulu: we live in a very cruel world; young girls are being taken advantage of because they choose to remain maidens for the purpose of finding rich husbands who will finance their lavish lifestyles. Usually, these young girls are disappointed because of their expectations and love for material things. If you choose to remain a pure maiden, it should be genuine and not with expectations.
Mpilo: do not think because you are a maiden, you will get married to someone who will provide for you. You need to build a name for yourself. Do something that will bring you income. Let marriage find you when you’ve already
achieved or in the process of achieving your goals.
Shuduza: pure maidens, need to be honest with themselves when embarking on this journey to remain pure. Do not go onto social media and think that is a real life. Do not think that you will use being a pure maiden to find a rich husband by exposing yourself on social media. You will fall prey to people who will take advantage of your being naive and love for material things. MaZulu: take up any opportunity presented to learn new things and take on new challenges. That is how young, pure maidens should use their time or access to the internet.
Q: What are some of the challenges young maidens face?
Mpilo: as pure maidens we come under a lot of scrutiny.
For one, once you have an expensive phone, wear wigs and expensive clothes your purity will be questioned. This will especially be done by girls who are no longer pure maidens. They judge us so much and think we will repeat their mistakes. I am an influencer and I do promotions, that is how I finance my own lifestyle.
Shuduza: pure maidens are pressured by young men who pretend to peruse them only to lure them into losing their virginity for the purpose of being seen as ‘big boys’ among their peers.
Q: Are there anyupcoming.
events your fans canjoin in on?
Shuduza: Events: 2 Dec
2023 there’ll be a year ending event for pure maidens, under llanga Liphumile.
Indoni KaZulu: IkusasaLami Non-Profit Organisation, will be donating school shoes to local schools and
underprivileged learners.
MaZulu: Miss Intombi
Yomhlanga and the awards ! was nominated on, I will be doing charity works, I will also post motivational videos
Please can my fans support me by voting for me.