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PICTURES: Initiation graduates return home

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By Agence France Presse

3 minute read

22 July 2023

09:04 am

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More than 1 500 Tsonga and Venda initiates under the Mashamba Traditional Authority returned home to a tumultuous welcome after undergoing their rite of passage in Ha-Mashamba village, Limpopo province.

South Africa initiation

Initiates walk in line during a ceremony. They are required to keep strict discipline as a sign of the lessons they learnt during their month away in seclusion.

They were among 68 000 young men and women who underwent the rite of passage in Limpopo. Photographer Lucas Ledwaba was there to document the occasion. Pictures by AFP

South Africa initiation
Young men who have previously undergone the initiation rites sing in celebration as a new group comes of age. Those who have previously undergone the rite of passage participate in performing daily chores and taking care of initiates until the last day of the initiation.
South Africa initiation
An initiate looks on during a ceremony.
South Africa initiation
A community member blows on a whistle during a ceremony. Community members dress up in traditional costumes and paint their bodies in different kinds of paint during the festivities to welcome back initiates.
South Africa initiation
An initiates’ body is draped with strings attached with sweets during their passing out ceremony. The sweets symbolise the spirit of celebration that accompanies the ceremony.
South Africa initiation
Women perform the traditional Venda women’s greeting called ‘hu luvha’ which is a sign of respect and humility, during a ceremony in Elim.
South Africa initiation
Initiates are driven to their individual homes after the formal group ceremony where scores of community members gather to welcome back the entire entourage to the village. Families hold individual feasts for returned initiates at home after the big formal community ceremony.
South Africa initiation
Initiates line up to be welcomed back home during a ceremony in Elim.

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