Multimedia

Home » Multimedia

Avatar photo

By Agence France Presse

3 minute read

22 Jul 2023

09:04 am

PICTURES: Initiation graduates return home

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.

PICTURES: Drone Photo Awards provide eagle’s eye on the world

Read more on these topics

culture initiation Limpopo

Catch up with the latest news from The Citizen on WhatsApp by following our channel. Click here to join.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Elections Cele says anyone that disrupts elections will be dealt with
Elections New poll shows support for ANC close to 40% a month before elections
Politics Bye bye parliament? MK party comrades sent packing weeks before national elections
Local Soccer Mokwena unsure of Sundowns future after Champions League exit
Courts Here’s why Electoral Court overturned IEC’s decision to bar Zuma’s candidacy

Click here to get The Citizen news and updates on Whatsapp.

Find out more

RELATED ARTICLES

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits

Subscribe