There was lots of ululations and dancing at Mhinga Village Section A, when Vusi Mabyalani, 35, graduated from initiation school a fortnight ago.

Mabyalani, who has produced several A symbols in Biology and Agricultural Science for his grade-12 learners at Ripambeta High, Mhinga village, was admitted at the initiation school on July 9, during the school holidays. Mabyalani says he never had peace in his life because other men scorned him. He says he was sidelined from social gatherings because he was not regarded as a real man.

“I have wanted to graduate from this school, initiation, since 1988, but I couldn’t as it is against our family’s beliefs as they are Christians. However, I had enough courage when my late younger brother’s wife took her 11-year-old son to the initiation school immediately when the school opened on June 16, last month,” says Mabyalani who has a degree in BA Agric Ed and is now doing his Honours degree in Rural Development.

Mabyalani approached Risenga Tshani, 59, an elderly man in the area who took him to Risimati Shivambu, 52, a senior relative. Shivambu gave Mabyalani his blessings. “After Mabyalani had approached me, I called his wife, Ntiva, 34, where we did 30 minutes of counseling. As the wife had already agreed, we then took Mabyalani to the initiation school where he was circumcised and joined the other 1 600 initiates,” says Shivambu with a smile.

Mabyalani’s wife says she is very happy that her husband has finally graduated from the initiation school. “He always came back with tears on his face after he was sidelined and scorned during social gatherings.

“Even other women used to tease me about this,” she said.

Mabyalani, who was mentored by Thabo Shivambu at the initiation school, says: “I have never been so happy in my life. I believe I am the happiest man on earth.”

“I am proud of my culture and tradition, which is the reason why I took this giant step. We cannot talk about African Renaissance if we do not follow our tradition and culture and practice it.”

Old men and women celebrated the graduation of Mabyalani and other initiates by drinking traditional beer at Shivambu’s house where a goat and several chickens were slaughtered for the small feast.