In theory, what happened to 14-year-old Sibongile in this hilly, crowded township outside Durban in November could not happen today - at least, not legally.
 
On a broiling Saturday morning, as more than a dozen women looked on, Sibongile joined 56 other Zulu girls outside a red-and-white striped tent. One by one, they lay on a straw mat beneath the tent; one by one, they received a cursory inspection of their genitals by a woman in a ceremonial beaded hat. As the inspector pronounced judgment on the state of their hymens - “virgin,” “nice,” “perfect” - each departed to the excited trilling of the women who were observers.
 
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Twenty-seven years after the hosting of the 2nd edition of the World Festival of Black Arts and African Culture in Lagos, all is once more set for the celebration of the third edition of the historic festival better known as FESTAC. The Republic of Senegal recently announced in Nairobi, Kenya, its readiness to host the festival in June 2007.

Maine Birane Diouf, Senegalese Minister of Culture and Classified Historical Heritage told African Ministers of Culture at the just concluded second edition of African Union Ministers of Culture Conference held in Nairobi between December 14 and 15, that Senegal is now ready to revive the celebration of the Festival which he described as the treasure trove of African culture.

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