Page 12 - BOPHELO - Life - 2026

‘Umlawulo wee

ntombi ezincinci

nama khwenkwe’:

Alcohol provision for adolescent girls

and boys during celebrations in rural

villages in the Eastern Cape

In many black communities in South Africa, particularly the full presence of kin, neighbours, and the broader
among Nguni-speaking communities in the Eastern community. These rituals play a vital role in reinforcing
Cape, the December holiday period remains a culturally identity, intergenerational continuity, and social cohesion.
significant time for the observance of traditional practices Celebrations marking the successful completion of
and rituals. These include ulwaluko (traditional male these rites are central to village life. Traditionally,
circumcision), intonjane (a young girl’s transition into preparations included the slaughtering of livestock such
womanhood), ukwendisa (the accompaniment of a as cattle, sheep, or goats, alongside the brewing of
bride to her marital home), ukuqatywa komntwana (the umqombothi, a traditional beer made from maize meal,
introduction of a child to the ancestors), and isazimzi (the sorghum malt, yeast, and water. While these practices
ritual introduction of a newly established household to the continue, contemporary celebrations increasingly include
ancestors and wider clan). commercially produced alcohol such as beer, brandy, and
whisky. In many settings, alcohol provision has become a
December is especially conducive to these practices as significant feature of ceremonies, and for some attendees
family members working in urban centres return to their a primary incentive for participation.
rural homes, allowing ceremonies to be conducted with

10 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL