Institute working towards a safer rite of passage

With the summer initiation season starting on November 1, thousands of boys are expected to flock to traditional initiation schools - and those involved are working hard to ensure that initiates are safe as they go through their rite of passage.

Under the umbrella of the Somagwaza Institute, traditional leaders, community members and other stakeholders met at Fezeka High School in Gugulethu on Sunday October 2, to discuss pertinent issues relating to initiation.

The institute’s founder, Sikelela Zokufa, said they mobilised all stakeholders to get involved in decisions about their sons’ well-being and to ensure that everyone knows what is right and wrong when it comes to the custom of ulwaluko.

“We want zero deaths in this province. We do not want to see a single death at the amabhuma (initiation schools). But first parents need to know that abakhwetha (initiates) must first undergo medical checks. They must fill in the consent form that they should get at the clinics before undoing circumcision. That is the main reason we are meeting here today,” he said

While the institute has committed to playing an oversight role, it emphasised that it remains parents’ responsibility before, during and after ulwaluko to take care of their children.

Secretary Lindile Joka added that deaths and injuries were preventable if everyone was on board. He said Somgwaza supported safe circumcision in initiation schools and emphasised the importance of co-operation of all stakeholders in verifying the legitimacy of amabhuma, iingcibi (surgeons) and amakhankatha

“We also want mothers to be part of initiation schools. They need to know what is going on with their children. We cannot be referring back to the 60s. This is the 21st century. Abafazi must go to the schools,” he said.

He also emphasised the fact that boys must be in good health before taking the journey. “We need to know if they are using drugs, alcohol and any other drug. Because this becomes a problem. Those are some of the challenges we face at amabhuma. We need zero death in our province,” he said.

A mother of a 19-year-boy who will go on the journey has applauded the institute and the community of Gugulethu for speaking openly about the sacred tradition.

The mother, who asked to be identified by her clan name Mamtolo, said it was rare to find men welcoming women to discussions about the tradition.

“We were given a rare opportunity. You will never find this in any part of the world, only in Gugulethu. Originally I am from the Eastern Cape, men will never even mention a word about ulwaluko. Hats off to these men here,” she said.