REITSPRUIT – They dedicated the month of December to partake in a sacred rite of passage to become men.

This past weekend, hundreds of young men from different walks of life came back to their communities and were celebrated by their families, neighbours, and residents.

Under the guidance of a group of respected initiation chiefs driven by the legacy of the late traditionalist, Ntate Neo ‘Majantja’ Motloung, who devoted 52 years to the practice, a special group of 19 initiates completed the journey unharmed in the bushes of Reitspruit.

Decorated in reddish blankets pierced with unique items and smeared with red clay, these young men signaled the conclusion of their initiation.

Walking barefoot in marshy grass at the top of the mountain, just a stone’s throw away from Sebokeng initiates ceremonially performed rituals symbolising the end of their educational journey.

Cheers, tears, ululation, rhythmic clapping, and dancing welcomed these brave initiates back to their families.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, a grandchild to Motloung, Collen Mokoena said they are reviving the legacy of the old man.

“Ntate taught us everything there is to know about initiation because he strongly believed in preserving this age-old tradition. Since his passing two years ago, we worked tirelessly to follow in his footsteps by following all proper protocols governing initiation. Today we are here celebrating the first batch of 19 boys and three young women who undertook the sacred path,” he said.

Mokoena said all initiates came back from the mountain without complications.

“We worked pretty well and we’re content with the outcome of our journey. As the old man practiced this heritage with meticulousness, this is solely what we had aimed to do and we are joyful that no child was left on the mountain,” he said.

Jane Mnguni, mother of an initiation said her family was armed with fear as her son was in the mountains.

“We spent festive holidays fearing the unknown but today we are rejoicing and celebrating him. I am overjoyed, I can’t even find words to express my excitement,” she said.

Another parent, Moeketsi Malindi said “The Motloung are known for better practice when it comes to this tradition. It brings me joy to receive my son. We hope even other young boys who come here will be well taken care of until they finish their initiation”.