Year of Birth: 1956 Ntsimbini, Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape “I was 13 when I was thwalad, my husband was 17. We used to carry mugs to school so we could stop at the river for a drink of water on our way to and from school. I was at the bank of the river and I […]
When he saw me, he picked me
Ukuthwala0 commentsYear of Birth : 1996 Mqanduli, Eastern Cape “I was 13 when I was thwalad, my husband was 17. My cousin and I were sent on an errand to a house in a neighbouring village. When we got there my cousin was sent back home and I was told I was remaining behind to be […]
Ukuthwala is painful
Ukuthwala0 commentsYear of Birth: 1964 Mfundisweni, Flagstaff, Eastern Cape “I was 18 when I was thwalad, my husband was 34. My parents had sent me to town to do groceries. When I got off the bus on my way home there were four men waiting at my bus stop. They started helping me with my groceries […]
When she says no she actually means it
Ukuthwala0 commentsChairperson in the Senate of the King’s Council Year of Birth: 1942 Location: Spaqeni, Eastern Cape “Ukuthwala was a way of marrying a girl you’d been propositioning for months. You’d be dating – even though she never once said she loves you – because you’d spend lots of time alone together, you’d kiss and […]
I wanted to marry him
Ukuthwala0 commentsYear of Birth: 1986 Mqanduli, Eastern Cape “I was 18 when I was thwalad, my husband was 23. I was a willing participant. His family knew and was expecting me, my family had no idea. My boyfriend said he wanted to marry me, and I agreed. He took me to his home where his […]