Christianity and traditional beliefs were embraced this weekend as 10 amakrwala (traditional initiation graduates) including a Xhosa prince were welcomed home on Saturday.
African traditional practices were not in conflict with Christianity, but instead the two complemented each other, according to Reverend Mzwabantu Mpiyane of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.
Mpiyane was blessing a group of young men during umgidi – a traditional initiation graduation ceremony – held in Gwali village in Alice. He also gave each man a Bible as a “weapon to face the world”.
The group are now known as the regiment of Mzunenyathi, the praise name of the 18-year-old Prince Uviwe Burns-Ncamashe who was the lead initiate.
The Burns-Ncamashe royal family are leaders of the AmaGwali tribe situated near Hogsback in Alice and are members of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.
Earlier in the morning AmaBhele senior traditional leader and Contralesa deputy secretary Landubuzwe Ngwekazi conducted the ritual of ukuthambisa amakhwenkwe (smearing the graduated initiates with ox fat while saying short words of wisdom).
Amakrwala are considered blessed to have the ritual conducted by a priest or reigning senior traditional leader. Those carrying out the job are selected role models who command respect among the community.
It is believed the young men will follow in the footsteps of these role models.
The Burns-Ncamashe royal family are Christians but still believe in African rituals and rites.
Ngwekazi will receive an ox and a sheep as a token of appreciation for conducting the ritual.
Family spokesman Princess Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, who is also the deputy chairman of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, said initiation had been misunderstood by those who did not practise it.
“Initiation is not all about the cut, it is a package and a process involving spirituality, various rituals as part of the transition of moulding a boy to be respectful and responsible men in society.
“It becomes a bigger responsibility for the son of a royal family as he has to be moulded as a leader,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
The royal family also assisted a poor family in the village by ensuring their 26-year-old son Siseko Bless underwent the rite after they had battled for eight years to collect money to send him to initiation school.
“His family always wanted to send him to initiation school but could not because they could not afford it. We are custodians of customs and it is our responsibility to assist those in need. We regard this boy as one of ours,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
Bless expressed his happiness at finally undergoing the rite.
“I thank the royal family for assisting me. I can hardly believe that I am eventually a man and will not be discriminated against anymore.” — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Cleric blesses initiates at Alice homecoming ceremony
African traditional practices were not in conflict with Christianity, but instead the two complemented each other, according to Reverend Mzwabantu Mpiyane of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.
Mpiyane was blessing a group of young men during umgidi – a traditional initiation graduation ceremony – held in Gwali village in Alice. He also gave each man a Bible as a “weapon to face the world”.
The group are now known as the regiment of Mzunenyathi, the praise name of the 18-year-old Prince Uviwe Burns-Ncamashe who was the lead initiate.
The Burns-Ncamashe royal family are leaders of the AmaGwali tribe situated near Hogsback in Alice and are members of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.
Earlier in the morning AmaBhele senior traditional leader and Contralesa deputy secretary Landubuzwe Ngwekazi conducted the ritual of ukuthambisa amakhwenkwe (smearing the graduated initiates with ox fat while saying short words of wisdom).
Amakrwala are considered blessed to have the ritual conducted by a priest or reigning senior traditional leader. Those carrying out the job are selected role models who command respect among the community.
It is believed the young men will follow in the footsteps of these role models.
The Burns-Ncamashe royal family are Christians but still believe in African rituals and rites.
Ngwekazi will receive an ox and a sheep as a token of appreciation for conducting the ritual.
Family spokesman Princess Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, who is also the deputy chairman of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, said initiation had been misunderstood by those who did not practise it.
“Initiation is not all about the cut, it is a package and a process involving spirituality, various rituals as part of the transition of moulding a boy to be respectful and responsible men in society.
“It becomes a bigger responsibility for the son of a royal family as he has to be moulded as a leader,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
The royal family also assisted a poor family in the village by ensuring their 26-year-old son Siseko Bless underwent the rite after they had battled for eight years to collect money to send him to initiation school.
“His family always wanted to send him to initiation school but could not because they could not afford it. We are custodians of customs and it is our responsibility to assist those in need. We regard this boy as one of ours,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
Bless expressed his happiness at finally undergoing the rite.
“I thank the royal family for assisting me. I can hardly believe that I am eventually a man and will not be discriminated against anymore.” — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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