Gun-totting Bitou deputy mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi deliberately missed the point

ANY caring parent knows the excitement and joy that comes with the return of their child from ulwaluko - a sacred Xhosa initiation that marks the transition into manhood.

After all, this century-old practice has been stained by the alarming deaths of young boys, mostly in bogus initiation ‘schools’. Almost 20 of them have lost their lives in the Eastern Cape.

Therefore when they complete this rite of passage into manhood, no one can downplay the importance of this milestone. The huge traditional celebrations (umgidi) that mark their return home, having been away for a month or more, serve to underscore this achievement.

However, imigidi have somewhat become a platform for some parents to display their financial muscle and power. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, so long as they serve their intended purpose of having young men educated about the journey and responsibilities that await them as adults.

They are expected to bring positive change not only at home, but in the community as a whole. Therefore the significance of umgidi can never be overstated.

The discharging of a firearm by Bitou Municipality deputy mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi during umgidi of her son this past weekend should be seen within this context.

Whether it was a real firearm or a toy as she claims is for the police to investigate. But we must ask, what purpose does such an act serve when welcoming her son from the mountain?

In a country where gun violence is the cause of the majority of the daily murders, surely a deputy mayor should be the last person wielding a firearm, let alone discharging it in front of a crowd, including children.

Kolwapi’s remarks that the criticism against her is driven by patriarchy completely and deliberately misses the point. She is not the first woman to celebrate the return of her son from the mountain.

Countless others in our communities know what is expected of izibazala, the mother of the initiate, and that does not entail the discharging of a firearm.

Her actions, especially as the deputy mayor, also undermine the fight against gun violence, which the police appear to be losing.

How disappointing that what should have been an event marking the start of a new journey for a young man is now turning into a national embarrassment.

CAPE TIMES