Call for Xhosa-only initiation
A SENIOR traditional leaders’ organisation official says boys from other races should not be allowed to undergo the traditional circumcision rite.
Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, who is acting provincial Contralesa secretary, says this is because the “inherited secrets of a nation are now being sold”.
His comments come on the back of an increase in the number of white and coloured boys undergoing traditional circumcision and initiation in the Eastern Cape.
Nonkonyana said the ritual was slowly being invaded by races which had not prac- tised it originally. He said a decision should be taken to prevent them from taking part in the ritual.
“Customs are weapons of strength and wisdom of that particular nation,” he said.
“To allow other people who have no allegiance to that tribe and their king is selling the secrets which are weapons to another tribe.
“We need to review whether we allow other races to undergo the rite of initiation.
“I believe that boys of other races should not be allowed.”
Nonkonyana said the AmaHlubi and BaSotho had their own way of traditional male initiation as did the AmaXhosa.
“All other tribes have their own way of doing the rite. This is similar to white boys, they have their own cultural way of doing circumcision at a particular age,” Nonkonyana said.
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders’ chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and Contralesa general-secretary Chief Xolile Ndevu said they “encouraged people to stick to their respective cultures”.
Cultural activist Dr Nokuzola Mndende, of the Icamagu Institute, said boys from other races were undergoing the rite for many reasons.
“Some are doing extensive research and want firsthand information.
“Others are doing it for fun and to explore.”