King calls for ‘protection of young men’
13 January 2017
east griqualand
FEVER
NEWS
3
SIPHELELE NKETO Siphelele@media24.com
K
ING Goodwill Zwelithini declared 2017 to be the year of protecting young men from diseases during his address at the welcoming event of amakrwala (new men) in Kokstad last Friday. The official welcoming of 200 new Harry Gwala men was attended by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs deputy minister Obed Bapela, MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa DubeNcube, MEC for Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo, MEC for Economic Development Sihle Zikalala, traditional leaders and mayors. Circumcision was reintroduced in KZN in 2009 by Zwelithini to protect men from the spread of HIV, Aids and other sexual diseases. “Since we reintroduced circumcision in KZN we have experienced, through the partnership with amakhosi (traditional leaders), department of health and other stakeholders, no death of initiates. “I want all stakeholders to participate in protecting young men and boys in 2017 from disease. “Young men are trapped in drugs, crime and alcohol and I want young men to become future leaders that will take South Africa forward,” said Zwelithini. He also called on tavern owners not to sell liquor to under-age youth. He appealed to Harry Gwala District Municipality mayor, Mluleki Ndobe and stakeholders to build isiGodlo in Kokstad to host traditional events and to attract visitors. Zikalala represented KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, who was absent from
At the event (from left) King Goodwill Zwelithini, Harry Gwala mayor, Mluleki Ndobe and MEC of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
PHOTOS:SIPHELELE NKETO
Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.
‘Amakrwala’ (new men) at the event.
the event, and called on young people to stop depending on old “blessers” for money. “I want young men and women to be responsible for their future.” In the last summer season the
death of initiates increased to more than 30 countrywide and Bapela applauded KZN for zero circumcisionrelated deaths. Zwelithini donated a cow to welcome amakrwala from the bush, and
traditional groups performed at the event. Indlondlo controls initiation schools in Kokstad and during the summer season more than 100 boys went to the bush and returned home
safely. Indlondlo chairperson Benny Khobo congratulated the Hlubi king Langalibalele 11 praise singer, Ndabenhle Radebe for their safe return from the initiation school.
Female initiation school given the thumbsup by Matatiele community SIPHELELE NKETO Siphelele@media24.com THE old traditional practice of sending women to initiation school received the thumbs-up from the people of Matatiele at a traditional ceremony of welcoming initiates at kwaSibi village last Saturday. A total of 28 young and old wom-
en attended a local initiation school from 1 December, 2016 to 6 January. The old practice was introduced by the Mohlakoana clan many years ago to protect young girls from sexual diseases like HIV and Aids and to encourage them to keep their virginity until they marry. A resident from the Mohlakoana
clan, Disema Moeti renewed the practice after working with community members in 2011 and 26 women graduated. “This practice is for baSotho people, but interested women from other nations are welcome to attend our traditional practice. We don’t need government to give support or assistance for our practice,” said
Moeti. During the course initiates were not allowed to communicate with other people except old women, who taught them and looked after them. “Some of women cannot fall pregnant, but after attending the school they can. Cellphones were not allowed for the women, they can
only use them once they have completed the course,” said Moeti. Keneuwe Mtomo (21) told Fever she was happy about the course and encourages her school friends to follow her path. “I learnt respect and to love everyone.” Initiates came from Welkom, Bloemfontein, Port St Johns and Matatiele.
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Initiates are welcomed at the traditional ceremony.
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The women after completing the course.
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