The unmistakable sense of relief, gratitude, and joy was visible in the eyes and the body language of the principal and his teachers (basuwe/caregivers) during the preparation to take the boys to their eagerly waiting parents and families.
The principal and his caregivers had performed their first assignment with distinction without the supervision of their late mentor.
The initiates all looked shiny and the same from the red letsoku (traditional lotion) that was applied to their bodies from head to toe. While waiting for the instruction to depart, they sat in rows and rows with their heads bowed and their faces looking stern as a sign of respect. They sang in gutsy melodious voices showing joy that they are grateful to have completed the journey to manhood.
The record-breaking number of 103 initiates across the Sedibeng/Vaal area, according to the basuwe (teachers/caregivers) was a source of great inspiration to them. They left the Thabana Borena mountains on Friday, December 27, afternoon.
As they reached their destination of Evaton North, Vaal, the streets were already packed with anticipating residents who had been waiting for their return. Women, particularly girls, were ululating at the top of their voices and doing body shakes of appreciation.
Men and youngsters sang with gusto while some were whistling in admiration, especially those who had once been to the mountains. Some of the parents shed a tear of joy here and there as they saw their offspring proudly brandishing their kieries, which they clutched with pride while singing in their melodious voices filled with passion.
They woke up early on Saturday morning to be prepared for a journey to their respective homes. They were dressed in colourful blankets, towels draped with handkerchiefs, mirrors, and all sorts of different ornaments.
One of the basuwe (caregiver), Mandla Mthembu, proudly said: “According to the records and history, nobody has ever reached and surpassed the number of 100 in this region. Even our fathers never achieved this feat. We truly thank the parents for the love of trusting us with their children. We are truly grateful.
“Not a single initiate was forced or kidnapped to be part of our initiation programme. We don’t do that here. All of them are going back without a single incident of death, injury, or sickness. They are all healthy as you can see.”
The group refers to themselves as MSD (short for Masedi) after their founder Ishmael Masedi. He was the first principal of this Mophato (initiation school). He led the first group of initiates in 2001 to the lush, bushy mountains of Poortjie, south-west of Johannesburg, not very far from Vereeniging.
Unfortunately, he passed on in January this year. His son, Ratseleng Masedi, has taken the reins and is running the project with pride.
Ratseleng said: “This is the legacy that was left by my father. Today brings mixed feelings for me. Sadly, he is not hear to witness the record we have achieved through his teachings. It hurts again that he is not here to witness the coming of age of my son, who is his grandson. The sweet part is that we have broken the record with the number of initiates we took to the mountains.”
He echoed Mthembu’s words of gratitude to the parents who trusted them with their kids.
“We thank the parents a great deal for working hand in hand with us. They brought their boys healthy and they will be receiving them healthy from us. I also thank all my caregivers for their dedication, love, and passion.”
Like Mthembu, the young Masedi has been part of this project for about 20 years.
Madimakatso Masedi, the late Masedi’s wife, was visibly emotional as the singing boys approached her house. She could not hold her tears.
Madimakatso said: “Eish I am very emotional. This reminds me of my husband. I wish he was here to witness this beauty. I am truly proud of my son for taking the reins from his father.”
By late Saturday afternoon, all the initiates had gone back to their respective homes. They were fetched by their loved ones in different modes of transport, while some walked back home.
The Star
Jabu Kumalo