Memory Mokgwakgwa (44) proudly represents her Xhosa heritage, embracing the culture, traditions, and values passed down through generations.

She follows the Umbhaco tradition, which features clothing made from durable cotton, decorated with colourful patterns or beads. Memory explained that the attire is worn for both formal and informal ceremonies and can also signify respect for ancestors.

“One of our kitchen traditions is making beer by hand, best known as Umqombothi. For a celebratory feast, I enjoy eating Umphokogo namasi, which is a full plate of crumbly pap and amasi, a traditional South African cultured dairy product,” she said.

In ceremonies, Memory highlighted a well-known rite of passage for young boys, which usually takes place in June and December.

“The boys, aged between 13 and 14, are taken to a field by the men of the community, where they stay for at least a month. During this period, they are circumcised and formally transitioned into manhood,” Memory added.

She concluded that practitioners of the culture often wear white painted dots on their faces as an aesthetic symbol and noted that the traditional Umbhaco attire can be worn by both men and women.