'Inimba' star Sisa Hewana reflects on 'Mgidi Mom', sharing insights on initiation and the important role mothers play in the journey.
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As conversations around culture and identity continue to evolve, new shows like “Mgidi Moms” are bringing tradition into the spotlight in a different way.
Rooted in isiXhosa customs, the show focuses on Umgidi, the homecoming celebration that follows ulwaluko, a sacred initiation process marking a young man’s transition into manhood.
Hosted by Moshe Ndiki, the show shifts the focus from the initiate to the women behind the scenes.
Each episode follows a different mother as she prepares for her son’s return, capturing the emotional weight, pride and responsibility that come with the moment.
Sisa Hewana, known for his role on “Inimba”, says shows like “Mgidi Moms” play an important role in preserving culture in a modern space.
He believes the series helps document traditions in a way that is accessible to a wider audience, while still respecting their meaning and depth.
In an interview, Hewana spoke about Umgidi and what it represents. The actor explained how the ceremony reshaped his understanding of manhood.
“The welcome ceremony is not just a party; it is a spiritual and social rebirth. It is the moment the community officially recognises you. For me, it solidified the understanding that being a man is not about individuality but responsibility and community.
“Yes, you return as an individual, but the ceremony infuses you back into the fabric of your family and community as a pillar of strength and a custodian of the culture that raised you,” he explained.
Reflecting on his own experience, he kept certain aspects private but shared the emotional impact of returning home.
“While the details of the journey are sacred and private, the feeling of returning home is a universal one of profound gratitude and clarity. There is a distinct shift in how you see your home, your parents, and your elders.
“You feel a deep sense of peace and a newfound weight of responsibility. It is a feeling of coming back home with a different set of eyes that now see the importance of preserving the dignity of the family name and culture.”
He also highlighted the role of women in the process, something “Mgidi Moms” brings to the forefront.
“The matriarchs are the backbone of the entire process. While the men guide, our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers are the ones holding the emotional and spiritual fort at home. They prepare the home for your return.
“Their songs, ululations and their tears are prayers over your life. They are the gatekeepers who ensure that when men return, they return to warmth, love, and stability. Without the matriarchs, the ceremony has no heart,” he said.
Hewana’s description of his own experiences echoes what the upcoming show showcases. The mothers are at the centre of the Umgidi experience, from preparing for one of the most important milestones in their sons’ lives to the emotional homecoming.
“Mgidi Moms” is set to premiere on March 29, with new episodes airing on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) every Sunday at 6pm.