I may become unpopular with readers, but I am desperate to know why, when people who engage in immoral activities and other despicable behaviour are confronted, they cite culture as justification.

I may become unpopular with readers, but I am desperate to know why, when people who engage in immoral activities and other despicable behaviour are confronted, they cite culture as justification.

For example, recently Bonginkosi Dlamini, pictured, of Zola 7 fame, declared that he is a Zulu and is therefore allowed to have many women.

Well he might be correct, but does he mean it is fine to engage in unprotected sex and have children from different girls in spite of the high rate of HIV infection in the country?

Does his thinking mean that as long as culture allows it, he does not have to worry that he might contract HIV?

Dlamini claims to be a polygamist, but he is still single for God's sake!

During his rape trial, ANC president Jacob Zuma also testified that according to the Zulu culture he is not allowed to leave a woman unattended if she is ready for sex.

Why are we degrading and humiliating our cultural heritage to suit our own reckless lifestyles?

Puleng Mmila, Johannesburg