It is that time of the year again where young boys are going to the bush in order to be men. This is an important stage to all the tribes who are practising this custom.
However, as Xhosa men we are becoming a laughing stock to other tribes. They question us in terms of how we conduct the custom because of all the casualties, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
I think something needs to be done in that province. It has become a norm for the initiates to die every season..
All these incidents occur in front of our traditional leaders who are the custodians of this important ritual. We know which parts of the province experience these problems but still there is little that our traditional leaders and government do to curb these deaths.
Pondoland is leading every season when it comes to the death of initiates.
But the big question is, what are our leaders doing about that?
They will tell us that they have plans in place to prevent the scourge, but still the children die.
It is clear that the men in Pondoland are failing us. The government needs to take stringent decisions and close the practising of this custom for at least five years.
If there is anyone who wants to take his son to the bush, they must send the son to the neighbouring areas where this custom is still valued. In those five years, some men must go to other areas to learn so they will be able to educate others back in their own areas.
The fact that the most of the casualties are happening in Pondoland that affect everyone who is from former Transkei as if the whole area is in disarray. I feel sorry for those who stay in that region (Pondoland) and still practise the custom correctly. These are my brothers. I am also iMpondo. As Mntlane (my clan’s name) my grand-grand-grandfathers were originally from Lusikisiki then they relocated to Centane before they settled at Engcobo where I’m currently. So, whatever is happening eMaMpondweni does affect me.
Maybe they need to come to the Western Cape for advice if it needs to be.
I take my hat off for the organisations like Embo Initiation Forum from Langa and Somagwaza Institute from Gugulethu.
Maybe as AmaMpondo we need to be educated on how to practice this culture. It’s either we close it or ask for help.
