The ukuthomba ceremony attracts Thembisa’s leaders

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Chief Macingwane II from Thembisa joined elders, advisors, and indunas from all corners of Gauteng to celebrate the ukuthomba ceremony in Mpumalanga. Generally, Ukuthombisa (or Iqhude) begins once the girl has reached puberty, starting the morning before the first full moon.

King Mabhoko III’s daughter, who was among the initiates, led the regiment with a song. As with male initiation, the ceremony was a time of joy for the Ndebele people. The newly initiated women had a chance to flirt and attract the attention of a potential husband.

“Kamoraleng Heritage Institute was last weekend invited to attend the Ndebele King Mabhoko III daughter Iqhude ceremony,” said the founder of Kamoraleng Heritage Institute, Develd Monyai. According to Monyai, traditional leaders and members of the Community Safety Forum from Winnie Mandela were also attendees. “Also, young men and women paraded in their black T-shirts written: Vuka Ndebele (Rise of Ndebele). The painted shack in Ndebele colours was evident that the Ndebele people are proud of their cultures,” he revealed.