Nonzwakazi Methodist Church in Gugulethu sent a message of hope and encouragement to amakrwala (newly graduated initiates) during a payer gathering on Sunday.
The graduates, accompanied by the amakhankatha (traditional guardians) from the Cape Metro Initiation Forum and Somagwaza Institute, were welcomed by singing congregants.
Councillor Sandile Martins attended along with various elders.
Priest Enerst Mananga said: “We hope that now that you are men no church will be burgled in your presence. We thank the Lord that you went to the mountain and came back well and alive.”
Speaking on behalf of the amakhankatha, Andile Ngalo said: “It was not easy to stay and build these young men, but here they are. We are grateful to Gugulethu and Nyanga for working together on this issue. We work with different spiritualities, church members, traditional doctors and other spiritualities.”
Lubabalo Mbanjwa, one of the parents who hosted the 47 initiates, said the young men could now face life with confidence.
“All they need now is to excel in life. They need to know that a man is not anywhere, not knowing where he is. They need to focus and know that the prayers that come from their mothers are powerful.”
