[quote
[/quote]
MBALULA CIRCUMCISION 'HIGHLY COMMENDED'
The decision of former African National Congress Youth League
(ANCYL) president Fikile Mbalula to undergo circumcision at the age of
37 set an example to other leaders in a similar situation, a prominent
traditional leader said on Thursday.
Mbalula, who is a member of the ANC national executive committee, is
currently undergoing the Xhosa rite of manhood at a site on the Cape
Flats.
Phathekile Holomisa, who heads the Congress of Traditional Leaders
of South Africa, said Mbalula's decision was to be highly commended.
He said the ritual was normally performed at the age of 18 when a
boy began the advance into maturity and could grasp teachings and words
of wisdom imparted to him by elders.
"Mbalula's deed, however, proves the adage that it is never too late
to mend.
"He has set an example to be followed by others holding positions of
leadership and authority who may be in a situation similar to his on
the eve of his initiation," Holomisa said.
With freedom having been achieved in South Africa, its people no
longer had an excuse to justify the abandonment of value systems.
He said many of those involved in the liberation struggle were
forced into the underground, into exile and jail.
They were thus denied the opportunity to go through "the normal
stages attendant to the growth of youngsters" in accordance with their
cultures.
He said the amaMpondomise, Mbalula's clan, had to ensure that
Mbalula's pa**age into manhood was smooth.
"This, his latest act of courage must instil pride in more of the
youth of our troubled times," he said.
[/quote]
WWWWWHAT??
