Boys welcomed back as men

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - This past weekend young males were warmly received by their families and the uMasizakhe community in Graaff-Reinet after finishing their initiation graduation, a traditional rite of passage signifying their transition into adulthood.

Initiation practices have long been a part of community culture, marking the shift from one life stage to another.

For males, this process aims to prepare them for responsible roles in society. A significant aspect of initiation school involves educating young men in cultural traditions and to change boys into men.

The welcoming festivities were accompanied by music and song.

Family members dressed in traditional attire while young men engaged in stick fighting, a practice symbolic of the welcome.

In the past, stick fighting showcased martial arts skills without intending harm, focussing on skill without causing injury.

Attendees were treated to traditional food and beer and women brought gifts for the young men while elders imparted wisdom and advice.

Men play-fight with sticks as part of the initiation rituals.

Boys to men

The young men are now given new names with great meaning and can be part of family debates, discussions and decision-making.

The winter initiation season officially opened end of May when young men receive teachings on courtship, social responsibilities, marriage customs, values, principles, hardships, respect, and accountability within their cultural heritage.

The process requires that every 18-year-old boy ready for initiation school first undergo a medical screening at his local clinic before registering for the initiation three months in advance.

This year the winter initiation season was not as busy as the summer season.

Marko Dampies, secretary of the Graaff-Reinet Initiation Forum, said since 1 June they only had 12 initiates at Asherville and Santaville and just 14 at uMasizakhe.

Dampies says no significant incidents have been reported in the area.

These young men graduated to manhood during the recent initiation.