By Anita Dangazele
- With only R25,000 available, the single mother decided to keep the umgidi simple by avoiding expensive alcohol and entertainment.
- She says parents should not destroy their finances trying to impress guests when many households are already struggling to survive.
A Gqeberha mother who recently hosted her son’s umgidi says focusing on cultural values instead of appearances helped her save thousands of rands.
The woman, who works at a local retail store, said she had budgeted R25,000 for the ceremony and made a conscious decision not to overspend.
“Like any parent, I wanted to give my son a big celebration,” she said. “But I reminded myself that what matters is the culture, not what people post on social media.”
Her son asked to attend initiation school this year after feeling left out because many of his friends had already gone.
She said the most important thing for her, as a single mother, was that her son returned safely.
“These days it’s not guaranteed,” she said. “Many boys don’t come back alive or get seriously hurt.”
Before her son left, she spoke to him honestly about expectations and told him not to expect an expensive homecoming.
She said umgidi ceremonies used to be simple, but over the years they have become costly, with families feeling pressured to serve expensive food, alcohol and designer drinks.
“I stuck to the basics that are required by tradition,” she said. “We slaughtered an animal, brewed umqombothi and respected the culture.”
She said guests were given what the family could afford, without trying to impress anyone.
“I didn’t want to turn an important tradition into a show,” she said. “Many of us are already struggling just to survive.”
She urged other parents to avoid putting themselves under financial pressure for celebrations.
“Focus on the culture, not the glitz,” she said. “There is no need to start the year in debt.”
Pictured above: An umgidi celebration.
Image source: Supplied
