mKwetha Jan 09: Vincent Mlinjana outside Kwanokathula, Plettenberg Bay

Much better viewed large, thanks

I am very grateful to Vincent who allowed me to photograph him today.

Around the age of 18 years Xhosa boys are considered to be emotionally and physically mature enough to undergo 'umoluko'. During this 4 - 5 week trial they are referred to as 'mKwetha's', and live in small makeshift shelters in the woods outside their towns or communities.

At a special ceremony on the day before the actual umoluko, or circumsicion, the boy is officially handed a blanket by the oldest brother or his mother for use in the bush, and the elders will cut his hair.

The circumsicion, which is done by the elders, takes place early the following morning, and then he is led to his little tent (usually build from cardboard and plastic) in the bush. Vincent's circumsicion actually took place right here at his tent.
During the 1st week he was not allowed any fluids, and his diet consisted of dry foods only - mainly corn. This apparently to help with healing of the 'isiko' or 'intentional wound'. Thereafter he was allowed fluids and to cook for himself in the bush. While I was talking to Vincent, two little boys arrived with some provisions for him.
He must also keep a little fire going throughout the month, and has to stay out of sight of all females. On meeting me he held out the stick (bottom of the frame) for me to shake as a welcome, as no one is allowed to touch him while he is a mKwetha.
Vincent showed me the ifuta (chalk) that he covers his entire body with. This is a natural soft stone that he gathered in the surrounding area.

His time will be finished on Tuesday. The same men will return then, and cut his hair again. This will be because he has to leave 'everything' of his boy days behind, and make a fresh start as a responsible adult.
Everything he has with him while in the bush, as well as the blanket and the tent will be burnt.
On his return to his home a sheep will be slaughtered, and he will be expected to perform a special dance to prove that he has undergone the whole process, before the elders will take him aside and tell him the facts of life.

Vincent, who is very softly spoken, and seems like such a gentle person, is presently in Grade 11 (pre-final year) at high school in Knysna, the neighbouring town here in the Garden Route. School will reopen soon after the summer holidays. He is really hoping to gain acceptance to University to study electrical engineering, and once there, also wishes to practice amateur wrestling as his sport of choice.

He has access to broadband at school, and hopefully I can get Vincent to submit a comment on this page once he is back in circulation.

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