Khwezi community Hall in Gugulethu was abuzz on Sunday 15 December as the community members were welcoming at least 52 boys from Gugulethu and surrounding areas which include one from Eastern Cape who underwent a process of manhood during this initiation period. The boys spent more than five weeks in the bush during their transition into men.
(“Liqela loo xholovale elolukileyo”, City Vision, 14 November).
Gugulethu streets were at a standstill as the men flanked them to the hall,while the women were ulilating and chanting as they were welcoming them. The event was organised by Somagwaza Institute from the area.
Somagwaza is a nonprofit organisation focusing on preserving and conserving the tradition of the initiation custom.
The founder of Somagwaza Institute, Sikelela Zokufa described the event as a special ceremony for both the new men and their families. He expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders who made the event come through.
“As Somagwaza, we thank all the people who contributed to make this day happen including our traditional nurses for taking care of the boys while they were in the bush to ensure that they are safe. Everything went well and all the boys are strong and healthy,” he said.
Zokufa described the group of boys as part of an over-age programme that Somagwaza conducts every year.
He said the boys are between the ages of 23 to 56 years old.
“ Due to various challenges, they had not undergone the traditional initiation process. Some of them have no families who grew up in orphanages, unemployed, lacking resources and others were neglected or isolated by society. But, all of that is over now as they will be integrated and respected like anyone in society,” he said, adding that some are living with disabilities.
Gugulethu Development Forum secretary Vincent Domingo praised Somagwaza for playing a vital role for changing the lives of young men. “As GDF, we support anything that brings changes for good courses in Gugulethu. What the Somagwaza has done is wonderful. We appreciate its role in society. And we are appealing to the community to keep on supporting Somagwaza,” said Domingo, adding that it has been three years doing such an initiative.
A guardian of one of the new men, Lulamile Martin from NY 146 in the area said they appreciate what the Somagwaza has done to their nephew. “I don’t know what to say to Somagwaza, I’ve lost words. It is the biggest day not only for my nephew but for us as family members. My sister died in 2001, and my nephew was still young at the time. But because no one is working in the family we were unable to take him to the bush,” explained Martin. He said he approached Somagwaza to assist them, which they did.
