As young men and women return from their initiation schools (makolwane) after completing their rites of passage during December, the community of Sebokeng, which is part of the Vaal Triangle, celebrates with pride during the first week of January.
But given the complexity and difficulties associated with the practice in the modern world, the historical and cultural importance of makolwane—a custom mostly practised by Sotho-speaking communities—has come under examination.
Despite being mostly, a Sotho-speaking area, Sebokeng's population has changed over time, with a large number of Zulu and Xhosa people now living there.
The mingling of ethnic groups has resulted in cross-cultural participation in the makolwane initiation schools, as demonstrated by frequent Zulu surnames such as Dlamini, Nyathi, and Mbele. In the past, Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho people attended separate…
