The Speaker of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM) council, Councillor Siseko Nodonti, recently extended his commendations to all stakeholders and parents for the smooth and incident-free commencement of this year’s summer initiation season. This announcement followed the official opening of the male initiation process by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs recently.
In an effort to ensure the continued safety and success of the initiation period, the SRVM, in collaboration with the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, recently organised a series of training workshops across three towns. These workshops were designed to educate initiation practitioners and other key participants about their roles and responsibilities during this culturally significant time.
The Local Initiation Forum has reported that to date (time of print), seventeen boys have commenced their initiation journey without any incidents of misconduct. As the season progresses, many more are expected to undergo the initiation process.
Councillor Nodonti further made a call to all involved parties to maintain their diligence and commitment, emphasising the importance of ensuring that every boy safely returns home at the end of the season.
In conclusion SRVM spokesperson, Zusiphe Jaji said,
