Initiates return from initiation school

Thousands of young boys surviving three weeks of initiation schools returned to their families over the weekend. Initiation schools are a tradition in African culture whereby young boys are taken into the veld to be taught to be “men”. This African cultural practice marks the passage of young men to adulthood.

The exact events of what transpired at the school remain within the group. Boys are however circumcised during the time. Initiation schools are traditionally for boys from 12 years and older, but it is known that younger boys are also accepted. Parents pay about R2800 for their children to attend the initiation school. This year marked the first initiations in two years after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: Traditional leaders suspend initiation season

In Limpopo, Contralesa approved 723 initiation schools for 2022. One of the initiation schools in the Giyani area was led by Collins (surname unknown) and was held between Lekgwareng and Daniel Rababalela villages in the veld. This school had over 1000 initiates and all of them returned safely and were accounted for. Parents attended the ceremony celebrating their sons’ homecoming in their numbers, many wearing traditional attire.

“As parents, we are very happy to see our children back. The fact that all of them are back and no one is sick, shows that they were well taken care of.

It is a joyous day for us, we thank God for keeping them alive and well,” said Maria Mathebula, one of the initiates’ parents. Another parent said that it was a stressful time and she is happy to see her son.

“With the harsh weather, it was really hard because you would wonder how your baby is doing. Women are not allowed to attend, only men who have been initiated themselves can go there. The only thing you could do is rely on what the person taking care of your child is saying and take their word for it. I am really happy and excited to have my son back,” said Zanele Shiburi.