Abstract
Notwithstanding attempts from the Eastern Cape Department of Health and other organisations to regulate the process of initiation, each year initiates still die or are mutilated. The challenge is to keep the boys safe without interfering with the traditional customs. It appears that women‟s voices are rarely heard on this issue. Through a literature review the author attempts to understand the rite of initiation from a cultural perspective. The general meaning and specific usage of concepts such as culture‟, traditional‟,and masculinity‟ are explained, as well as how these concepts are used in the article. A questionnaire was designed and administered to establish the views of Xhosa women on the ritual of initiation. On comparing these results with results from previous research,it shows a decline in the number of women who favour the traditional way of initiation without medical intervention. Although this indicates a shift in women's views, a conflict is evident, as there is still overwhelming agreement that traditional initiation is a prerequisite for becoming a man who is respected by his community. The empirical research indicates that although women are forbidden to take part in discussions on this subject,some women did take the liberty to express their opinions.
Highlights
In 2009 it was reported in the press that a 21-year-old young man was taking his parents to court regarding his constitutional rights
The questionnaire results showed that on the question of upholding cultural practice in spite of health risks, 57% of the respondents were of the opinion that circumcision should take place in hospital; and 31% felt that it should only take place in the bush according to the traditional Xhosa custom
The data indicate that the majority were in favour of circumcision in hospital, a conflict is evident, as 74,5% indicated that they believe a man can only become a
Summary
In 2009 it was reported in the press that a 21-year-old young man was taking his parents to court regarding his constitutional rights. After he tried to compromise with the local headmen to have the procedure of circumcision done in hospital, he was abducted by his father and ten other men from his home in Masele Township near King William‟s Town, and subjected to circumcision against his will (Huisman, 2009:1). Male initiation is an important and deeply-rooted custom of various ethnic groups in South Africa, especially of the amaXhosa It serves as a doorway through which the Xhosa adolescent male must step in order to become a respected member of society, or as it is called among the amaXhosa, to attain manhood.
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