Kudu horns echo across Bushbuckridge and Hazyview ahead of Ingoma celebrations
Excitement is building across Bushbuckridge and Hazyview as thousands prepare for the annual initiation season Ingoma celebrations, with traditional leaders expecting an even bigger turnout than last year's more than 20 000 people.
The excitement surrounding the annual initiation season is building in Bushbuckridge, an area widely known for its rich cultural traditions and vibrant Ingoma celebrations.
Across villages in Bushbuckridge and parts of Hazyview, the distinctive sound of the kudu horn, known locally as phalafala can be heard echoing through the hills, signalling the approach of one of the most significant cultural periods on the local calendar.
For many young boys, the wait is almost over.
They are eagerly counting down the days until schools close so they can head into the mountains and embark on the traditional journey of initiation into manhood.
Meanwhile, men are collecting their sticks and shield, preparing to go and compete with each other during the celebrations.
Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgashi Mathupa Mokoena, said thousands are expected to descend on the region for this year’s celebrations.
“Last year we received more than 20 000 people. This year we are expecting even more, because people in this area know how to celebrate Ingoma. We are also going to make sure that they enjoy it to the fullest. This is one of our cultural practices that cannot be forgotten and will always be celebrated,” said Mokoena.
He urged all visitors to celebrate responsibly by obeying the rules of the road, avoiding drinking and driving, and refraining from engaging in unnecessary fights or carrying weapons.
“We are going to work with all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of everyone. Our plan is to make sure there is no loss of life during and after the celebrations. We are also calling on parents to ensure that their children are healthy before taking them to initiation school,” he said.
Mokoena added that initiation school owners understand what is expected of them and that the priority is to ensure that all initiates return home safely and in good health.
“Illegal initiation schools will not be tolerated. Those who take children to initiation schools without the consent of their parents will also be dealt with,” he said.
