By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, “Inkolo Kantu” and other affected stakeholders have kick-started a consultation process towards the reopening of the long-awaited summer traditional initiation season.
The ritual was suspended following the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The province is currently embarking on the consultation process after the country has moved to alert level one of the COVID-19 regulations.
Acting Chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Nkosi Langa Mavuso has applauded the people of the province for heeding the government’s call to suspend ulwaluko in the winter season of 2020. Speaking during a consultation session in Bhisho earlier this week, Nkosi Mavuso said Eastern Cape communities are ready and prepared to take their boys to the bush in December.
“We will be committing suicide if we do not open the summer season of ulwaluko. The rite of passage to manhood belongs to the families, traditional leaders and communities. We request our government to open the summer season to avoid the mushrooming of illegal amabhuma in our Province. The season must be done in line with regulations regarding alert level 1,” said Nkosi Mavuso
He added that religious and other community gatherings have been allowed under the regulations of alert level 1, except for ulwaluko. He said to suspend the traditional initiation summer season will be to deny people their constitutional right to enjoy and practice their culture.
He said the House has developed a Risk-Adjusted Strategy (RAS) to prevent, mitigate and combat challenges associated with COVID 19 during the summer season.
Chairperson of Contralesa Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana welcomed the efforts geared towards the opening of the summer traditional initiation season.
“We are aware of the ongoing government attempts against ulwaluko in favour of male medical circumcision. We remain opposed to medical male circumcision. I call for a united front led by our Provincial leadership towards the opening of the summer traditional season,” said Nkosi Nonkonyana.
The meeting resolutions will be tabled before Premier Oscar Mabuyane and COGTA MEC Xolile Nqatha for a discussion with COGTA Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.