Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

Despite the Young Communist League changing its tune and reiterating its respect for the right to cultural practices, it nonetheless still maintains that the majority of young people remain the victims of cultural manipulation and abuse.

Last week the YCL found itself it hot water after it said that practices such as the reed dance were "outdated and sexist".

The league said young girls were being "unconsciously coerced into exposing or displaying their genitals under the pretext of promoting outdated cultural practices.

"It is extremely biased against the female child, whereas male children and teenagers are not subjected to such practices," it said.

The YCL's comments were widely criticised, with cultural advocacy groups labelling them as rebellious towards the tradition, identity and customs of the Zulu nation.

YCL national deputy secretary Khaye Nkwanyana said the YCL remained concerned about the continued cultural manipulation of the youth, particularly regarding the scourge of HIV-Aids.

"We are adamant in our view that the scourge of HIV-Aids requires a holistic approach, targeted at both girls and boys," he said.