E Cape traditional leaders seek to preserve initiation custom

Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders in the Eastern Cape, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyane, says he is happy that boys who underwent initiation through proper channels are coming home safe.

Dozens of boys are expected home as families prepare for their homecoming this weekend.

Forty initiates died in 2019 during the winter and summer initiation season. Nonkonyane says they will work with government to preserve the Xhosa custom.

“We were saddened by the death of the initiates and we want to make sure that people obey their custom as well as the laws governing the institution of traditional leadership. This custom can never cause death let alone injury of the initiate. We are now determined to work together with our government and all forms that bring this custom into disrepute in 2020.”

Many of the boys are also expecting their matric results while others are looking to further their studies at universities and colleges across the country.