Khwezi community Hall in Gugulethu was abuzz on Sunday 15 December as the community welcomed at least 52 new men, following the completion of Somagwaza Institute’s over-age project.
The initiates are from Gugulethu and surrounding areas, including one from the Eastern Cape who underwent the process of manhood during this initiation period.
They spent more than five weeks in the bush during their transition into men (“Liqela loo xholovale elolukileyo”, City Vision, 14 November).
Gugulethu streets were brought to a standstill as the men flanked the streets to the hall, while the women were ulilating and chanting as they were welcoming the new men.
Somagwaza is a nonprofit organisation focusing on preserving and conserving the tradition of the initiation custom.
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 this possible.
“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 as part of an over-age project that Somagwaza conducts every year. He said these initiates are between the ages of 23 and 56.
“Due to various challenges, they had not undergone the traditional initiation process. Some of them have no families and 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 else in society,” he said.
Some are also living with disabilities.
Gugulethu Development Forum secretary Vincent Domingo praised Somagwaza for playing a vital role in 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.
A guardian of one of the new men, Lulamile Martin from NY 146 said they appreciate what the Somagwaza has done for their nephew.
“I don’t know what to say to Somagwaza, I am lost for 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 with the initiation of their nephew.
This is the third year Somagwaza has offered this initiative.
