BY PHUMLANI SAUL
AT LAST THEY CAN SPEAK, EAT MEAT AND DRINK UMQOMBHOTHI WITH THE MEN.
ALL their lives they were treated like kwedini and had to eat meat with the women.
But all of that is in the past now as the two madalas have finally been to the mountain to be circumcised.
The madalas told Daily Kasi News that men who are not circumcised aren’t allowed to speak to the ancestors. They also said they can’t occupy a leading position in cultural activities. That is why the two madalas went to the bush to get circumcised.
“Before I was cut I was never honoured as a madala. Instead I was insulted as a boy,” said umkhulu Zwelinzima Makeleni of Khayelitsha near Kariega, in Nelson Mandela Metro.
“I have been in and out of prison for the last 28 years. I was selling dagga and I have served long sentences on three occasions.”
Umkhulu Zwelinzima said his family helped him to get the circumcision done.
“I followed all the protocols and I have been to the doctor,” he said.
“I am happy. I have taken back my power and I have the authority to speak to the ancestral spirits.”
Another madala, also from Rosedale, said: “I am a coloured man but my father is Xhosa. I decided to go back to my roots. I told my wife and she agreed to my plan
The two madalas were afraid of the operation because they were told old men take longer to heal, but they are recovering well in the bush near Kwanobuhle near Gunguluza, outside Kariega.
They said they were treated with respect in the bush by the other initiates. Other amakwetha called them mkhulu. After the operation they were called qabane, which means, my friend.
Ingcibi Zukile Bangani of Khayelitsha, who is known as “Snake”, said: “I didn’t do the circumcision. My friend did the work. I was told the one is 67 and the other is about 58.”
He said they treat older initiates differently.Older men can approach me even if they don’t have enough money. We will talk,” he said.
Daily Kasi News 