Bogwera Graduation

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.