Communities must take more interest in initiation

I’M writing in response to the recent nationally reported deaths of young initiates. I sincerely empathise and extend my deepest felt condolences to those families who had to go through an unnecessary phase of loss.

Since this initiation season has started what has been reported mostly is the number of deaths of initiates. On top of that, cases of botched circumcision as a result of malpractice and negligence by iingcibi (traditional initiators) and amakhanta (traditional nurses) pose questions around safety and relevance of this practice.

These kinds of incidents paint a bad picture and convey ideas of initiation deemed as a tradition that robs young men of an opportunity to live.

This also does not take away the stereotype that this season creates anxiety and worries for many families due to negative news around what happens in initiation schools. It is also interesting to note other factors such as over-commercialisation of this sacred practice, crime-related activities and the use of substances in the bush during this season.

However, in my understanding and that of many custodians of tradition, ulwaluko kwaXhosa is by far one of the most beneficial practices in the lives of young amaXhosa boys. It serves as an important tradition for the formation of young boys and men in South Africa.

I am a firm believer in promoting the idea that “it takes a village to build a nation” and this means that everyone needs to participate to make this season yield positive results. Ideally, it calls for different stakeholders, such as the house of traditional leaders, which have a responsibility to protect and promote high standards around this practice, to be involved.

Communities and families, as the ones who pass on culture, also have a responsibility to make sure that they cast out wrongdoings and protect this sacred practice. I have observed that the role of older men, those who have been through the process, in our communities is not strongly felt.

These are the people who hold the tradition and it can be passed through them. It is a pity that the role of the community is felt only on the last day of umgidi (homecoming celebration) and the excitement of benefits that comes with it.

Another aspect of community includes the community of faith and believers. The clergy and religious formations also have a pivotal role of promoting spirituality and spiritual practices during this critical phase around the formation of young boys.

Most importantly, the government, particularly the Health Department, has the responsibility of promoting health and the safety of this practice. While the government plays a greater role, ordinary people also need to be actively involved.

The problem is that if we wait for the government, we will be failing to take responsibility as citizens. We have a right to participate as citizens, but more importantly a responsibility to take an active role in making sure that this process is what it should be for our young men.

In essence, if all of these parties could come to a systemic and integrative approach we could re-think and explore positive ways of promoting safety and the integrity of preserving this sacred practice. I also believe we will experience fewer reported cases of death and negligence.

Anele Siswana, a researcher on ulwaluko kwaXhosa and critical studies of men and masculinity in South Africa