Elmon Tshikhudo
Thousands of families in Limpopo held celebrations at the weekend to welcome their sons back from initiation schools across the province.
The schools, which re-opened last month after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic, drew thousands of young men and boys.
So far this year, one death was reported. The number is usually significantly higher as medical complications can arise following the circumcision procedure, especially if it’s carried out by a non-expert. Many also succumb to dehydration as the process at the school limits water intake.
This age-old tradition is profoundly important to many communities. In some, an uncircumcised man cannot even sit down and discuss issues that affect his community with other men.
This year the Limpopo government approved 680 schools for boys and just under 200 for girls which were run for four weeks, ending on Friday.
Saturday was their pass-out parade or graduation day.
One such school was at Hamasia in the Collins Chabane municipality.
The school was under veteran circumcision surgeon Mashudu Tshikororo, operating under senior traditional leader Thovhele Nthumeni Masia. It had 60 boys who all came back home safe and healthy.
Their pass-out parade held at the Masia traditional offices was a spectacle to watch.
Bare breasted women danced in celebration. Other women of the Khadzi in traditional Venda attire also added a sparkle to the occasion.
Speaking during the event, nationally acclaimed traditionalist Dr Mashudu Dima called on parents to go back to their roots by taking their children to traditional schools if they were to beat the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence.
“You have forsaken your roots and this is the reason things are mixed up in the community today. The gods have forsaken us and until such time as we go back to our roots, our children will always be a problem as they will not have laws that bind them,” he said.
Masia implored parents to encourage their children to take their culture seriously.
“Be proud of your customs and traditions. Also get educated because education and customs mix and we have a complete human being.
“To the new initiates, being a graduate does not give you a licence to engage in the ills of this society.
“This serves to make you a real man among men,” he said.
Tshikororo thanked the parents for entrusting their children to him.
“We are here just to say thank you. All your children are well and sound and we did all to transform them into men. We have no doubt you will notice the change in the boys,” he said.
After the formal proceedings parents picked up their own children before heading home.
