Emily Mgidi
Scenes of joy and relief unfolded in Kwa Mhlanga as families reunited with initiates who had spent two months away on a traditional rite of passage.
The celebrations drew large crowds, with singing, dancing and emotional embraces as communities welcomed the young men back home after their journey.
Sun City C was filled with activity on Sunday as an estimated 6 000 people gathered at the venue to witness the return of the initiates who left in mid-May to complete the cultural process.
A total of 725 initiates were welcomed back, mostly from Kwa Mhlanga and surrounding areas in the Nkangala district.
Families, relatives and residents from nearby villages attended the ceremony. Others travelled from Limpopo, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, North West and Free State, adding to the strong turnout and festive atmosphere.
Mpumalanga MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Speed Mashilo, confirmed that all initiates returned safely, with no fatalities reported during the initiation period.
He said the outcome reflected stronger coordination between government structures and traditional leadership in managing the annual process.
Mashilo said the initiates should now embrace their responsibilities as community members.
“Yes, you are now men, but that also goes with respect and knowing your important role beyond your family. This extends to your community. As young men, there is an urgent need to prioritise education and be aware of its benefits.”
The annual initiation pilgrimage is overseen under Mashilo’s leadership and supported by the Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee, the Ingoma Task Team, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
He also announced support measures for learners who missed school during the period, with the provincial education department set to begin a catch-up programme from Monday.
“Those in matric are key. They need to be assisted to be ready not only for the preliminary exams, but for the final ones later in the year. Those are the most important. This is why we will always reiterate the importance of education, hence the need to always support our children.”
This year’s theme, Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila, was delivered without reported fatalities, with families marking the safe completion of the cultural journey with pride.
Mashilo said the success depended on collective responsibility.
“This cannot be a success if there is no cooperation between parents, the community, and the initiates themselves as we envisage the latter’s safety. But also key to that is recognising and respecting our culture and traditions.”
Speaking at the homecoming celebration, Mayor David Tladi said the initiation process is about more than tradition. He described it as an important journey that equips young men with values such as discipline, respect, accountability and perseverance.
He congratulated the initiates on reaching this milestone and urged them to let the lessons they learned guide them throughout their lives.
Tladi also encouraged the newly initiated men to lead with integrity. He called on them to reject all forms of violence and take a firm stand against gender-based violence. He further urged them to protect women, children and other vulnerable members of society, saying their communities now look to them to set a positive example and help build a safer and more united South Africa.
“As you return home, remember that manhood is not only defined by the completion of initiation but by the values you uphold every day. Be ambassadors of respect, integrity and responsibility,” he said.
Parents expressed joy at having their children back and said they hope they will lead with integrity and respect.
“There’s no greater feeling than seeing your child walk back home safely. You spend months praying, worrying and counting down the days. When you finally see them again, it’s overwhelming. It’s a proud moment because they’ve reached an important milestone, but it’s also a huge relief knowing they’re back with the family,” said Joyce Mabhena, a parent.
Israel Skhosana said the house has not felt the same without his child. He said every day he prayed for his safety and looked forward to this moment.
“Seeing him come home surrounded by family and community is a memory we will cherish forever. We are thankful that he returned safely and is ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with manhood,” said Skhosana.