WeeklySA_AdminCEREMONIAL: Amid nationwide tragedy and growing concern over initiation deaths, relief, pride and celebration filled the dusty streets of Vaal township as young men returned home safely from lebollo…
By Jabu Kumalo
That palpable sense of ecstasy, coupled with a tear of joy here and there, underscored the proud homecoming of a posse of Makolwane (initiates) to their base in the dusty streets of Evaton North, about 45km south of Johannesburg.
Looking the same and shiny from the red letsoko (traditional cream), the initiates formed a procession marking their rite of passage from boyhood to adulthood – a milestone celebrated by the local community on their return from initiation around this time of the year.
“The boys have all come back home safe! All of them, alive!” Those were the cries from the crowd of family members who had gathered, lining the streets, to welcome the initiates from the lebollo (initiation) school.
The sense of relief and joy is understandable as by that same day, about 41 initiates had their lives cut short in their prime around the country, according to media reports.
The pride and the sense of “we did it again” from the faces and the body language of the Chief Mosoue (principal) and his entourage of Basuwe (caregivers/teachers) was unmistakably written loudly. They were as proud as peacocks judging by the way they strutted around after yet another successful spell of promoting the boys to manhood. Their joining in the singing accompanying the passionate melodious voices of the initiates was a sure sign of triumph and a marvel to listen to.
One of the proudest moments of these Basuwe was that they had, again, broken yet the hundredth mark of initiates. Their 101 healthy, confident looking initiates was a voice of confidence that parents trusted them with their kids.
The boys had been in the bushes and mountains of Poortjie, south west of Joburg, not far from the towns of Vereeniging and Vanderbiljpark. They came not only from the township of Evaton North, where the headquarters of the school is based, but from as afar afield as the Freestate and the North West provinces.
They had left the comfort of their homes on November 21 last year and came back in the New Year on January 2. It was a grueling six weeks of living in the bush in tiny makeshift homes. Fortunately for them, it was summer.
One of the principal leaders, Mosuwe Mandla Mthembu said as they were about to take the journey back home: “It was not an easy journey. It was not an easy ride. But we soldiered on under difficult circumstances. It was because of the experience of the great mentorship we “sucked” from our late father, Ntate Masedi.”
The group refers to themselves as MSD (short for Ha Masedi) after their founder Ishmael Masedi. He was the founder and first principal of this Mophato (initiation school). He led the first group of initiates to the lush, bushy mountains of Poortjie in 2001. He passed on in January 2025. His son, Ratseleng Masedi, has taken the reins and is running with the baton with great pride.
Ratseleng said: “Let me first thank the Almighy God and the education we got from our mentor, my dad Masedi. The school’s main secret is grounded on the foundation of love, respect, care and dedication in what we do. Our first love and concern is to these boys that we are given the privilege of looking after for a few weeks by their trusting parents. We thank them for trusting us with their offspring.”
This is the second year running that the initiation school has surpassed the one hundredth mark. This year they registered 101, two fewer than last term.
The outpouring of love and appreciation from the crowds that were lining the streets from Mkhelele to Evaton North as the convoy of trucks, bakkies and cars were snaking their way to their final destination, were a stamp of approval that they loved and trusted MSD. As women and girls were ululating, some girls were screaming that they were “free agents” and looking for a “real man” from the mountain.
“We are truly blessed. The love and trust that the community is giving us is amazing. It makes me emotional. Wherever Monna Moholo (Ishamel Masedi) is, he is looking well after us and with pride,” said Ratseleng.
Mandla Mthembu added: “This day makes me so emotional. I wish the old man could see the fruits of his products. We are pushing this thing and pushing it strongly.”
Mandla pleaded with parents to let them know if the boy they are handing to them has a history of using drugs: “Please parents, with due respect, we are not a place that looks after drug addicts. We do not deal with that. There were times when we really had problems as we became instant nurses who had to deal with those who were suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Pleas help us in this matter.”
The boys left Poortjie on January 2 last week and slept over at Masedi’s place. In the early hours of the following morning, clad in blankets and colourful scarfs draped with ornaments like mirrors, combs and other stuff, they were called one by one to recite their praise names and other poems in front of their families and the community. The atmosphere was electric.
One of the excited mums, Lobisa Monareng from Evaton North, who could not hide her joy, shouted as his son was reciting: “Ahlililili! I don’t know what to say. The joy that is in my heart is not easy to describe. I have been waiting, alone as his parent, for this day. It was not an easy journey emotionally, but at the end I am so happy. I am a grateful mother. Thank you!”
The youngest initiates were 16 years old, while the oldest was 43. The average age was 18.
Ratseleng thanked the cooperative spirit and unity of his executive made up of Mandla Mthembu, Motsamai Moisi, Busa Monareng, Teboho Leeto and Khulu Hlathe.
Photos: Jabu Kumalo
