Bogwera Graduation

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday August 10, 2009 00:00

 

Although initially about 3,000 males registered for the circumcision ritual and went to the wilderness six weeks ago, only 1,571 graduated. Of the new initiates 890 belong to the new age regiment, Madibela Nkwe. Kgafela announced at the Kgotla that the rest joined the relevant age groups according to Bakgatla customs. As early as 8am, the Kgotla was already full and female initiation groups sang ahead of the arrival of their eagerly awaited male counterparts. Some spectators say they had journeyed to the Kgotla as early as 4am to occupy prime spectator spots.

The venue was packed with thousands of women who, according to Bakgatla tradition ,must welcome the graduating males with songs and ululations.

Two giant screens were erected at the Kgotla to allow those who could not access the venue to watch the proceedings.

The moment everybody had been waiting for came at 10.30am, when the largest group of Bakgatla initiates emerged from a sacred place called Molapo, in the hills adjacent to Mochudi Hospital. All the new initiates emerged with cultural coats made from wild animal skins. Some looked as young as 12 while others appeared well over 50. Kgafela led the procession on horseback with his two brothers Bakgatle and Mmusi. The horse ridden by the paramount chief caught everyone's attention with its majestic tricks during the one-hour procession.

Gun shots were fired as the initiates reached the Kgotla. In dramatic fashion, three men who played the role of 'enemies' threw themselves down as the guns were fired, symbolising that the initiates had graduated into full age regiment to defeat Bakgatla foes.

One of the highlights of the historic initiation ceremony was the appearance of South African Bakgatla leader, Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of Moruleng. He was one of the initiates although he was very busy in the morning conducting the affairs of the tribe. Nyalala took part in leading the procession, ensuring that the route taken by Kgafela and his initiates had no stumbling blocks.

His spokesman, Solly Kgarimetsa said the chief was part of the group that underwent initiation in the bush in the last six weeks. Nyalala's brother Kautlwale was part of the initiation, while his wife took part in the female initiation in June this year. Although it has not been announced publicly, some members of the Madisakgosi regiment, the first female regiment to graduate under Kgafela in June say they have been informed they will help in introducing the initiation ceremony in Moruleng next month.