Academic literature on the topic 'Xhosa (African people) – Rites and ceremonies'

The study reconnoitred elements of performance that are found at Korekore funerals. The purpose of the study was to revisit indigenous performance practices and elaborate elements of performance that are embodied within. Korekore funerals of Guruve district, Zimbabwe were used as a case study in this article. The paper argues that Korekore funerals demonstrate the use of theatre elements where space, actors, stagecraft and improvisation are key to a ‘Kunemera Mufi’ production. We argue that the ‘Kunemera Mufi’ at a typical Korekore funeral demonstrate the fact that theatre has always existed among the indigenous African people well before the first Whiteman came to Africa. Theatre was and remains part of the everyday activities among the Korekore, not only at funerals but also in other everyday chores such as hunting, work, child games, rites of passages, rituals and ceremonies. Thus, the paper argues against the Eurocentric definition of theatre or performance by elaborating the elements of performance at a Korekore funeral.

This research study in Mdantsane (East London), Whittlesea (Hewu), Njiveni (Libode) and Cala sought to investigate the role of the amaXhosa male initiation in moral regeneration focusing on socio-cultural, educational and religious aspects related to moral values. The role of the amaXhosa male initiation as a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood, how it was viewed in the past, its impact upon the initiates and its contribution to the moral upholding of values were investigated. It was further intended to establish whether westernisation and urbanisation brought a shift of meaning and emphasis to the current initiation practice and, if so, to what extent has the ceremony departed from traditional norms and what challenges the ceremony has to face at present. A qualitative research method involving an ethnographic study was utilised, which includes in-depth, semi-structured interviews (formal interviews and informal discussions) and participant observation. Research findings suggested that in the past the amaXhosa male initiation played a role in the instruction of moral values. However, this study identified a shift of meaning in the practice which has been more evident in urban than in rural areas. The shift suggested that the instruction role has changed in prominence and there is less emphasis on teaching and appropriate adult behaviour. Moreover that the amakhankatha, who had the major role in teaching of the initiates are now participating in making the role less effective and sometimes introducing influences that are destructive to the initiates. Such negative influences include abuse of alcohol and drugs, promiscuity among the youth and disobedience of elders. It is argued that revisiting the teachings surrounding male initiation may cultivate productive debates on how young males are taught morality in today's society. Furthermore, that if the Xhosa male initiation could be contextualised it can play a role in the instruction of boys as they graduate to manhood and that can contribute to moral regeneration in South Africa.

Thesis (MSocialWork)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to establish guidelines for ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people. These guidelines are specifically aimed at Social Workers who do bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people. In order to formulate the guidelines, both literature review and empirical studies were undertaken. The literature review consists of two chapters. In the first chapter the ethnicsensitive perspective and bereavement counselling models are discussed and attention is given to the integration of the ethnic-sensitive perspective with bereavement counselling models. The second chapter deals with death and bereavement in the Xhosa culture, the role of the Social Worker as bereavement counsellor and the knowledge, values and skills required to do bereavement counselling. Through the literature review it was established that specific knowledge of a Xhosa speaking person's bereavement process is essential for any Social Worker who wishes to do ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with a Xhosa speaking person. Skills and values must be tailored to the needs of the Xhosa speaking person in bereavement. During the literature review it also became clear that successful ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling can only be done if the Social Worker is totally knowledgeable about hislher own experiences and attitudes in respect of the bereavement process as well as in respect of another culture, for example the Xhosa culture. The empirical study was done to establish the needs of Xhosa speaking people in respect of bereavement counselling. The respondents consisted of Xhosa speaking individuals who were in the bereavement process. The measurement instrument consisted of a questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative questions and these were completed by ten respondents. The sample of ten respondents were selected from amongst respondents who were available and willing to participate in the research. The findings of the empirical study pointed to the unique needs of Xhosa speaking people which must be considered during bereavement counselling with them. It was also confirmed that a Social Worker required specific knowledge of Xhosa speaking people's bereavement process in order to deliver ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling. The finding establishes clear guidelines for Social Workers doing ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om riglyne vir etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad met Xhosa-sprekende persone daar te stel. Die riglyne is spesifiek gerig op maatskaplike werkers wat rouberaad met Xhosa-sprekende persone doen. Ten einde die riglyne te formuleer is 'n literatuurstudie en 'n empiriese studie gedoen. Die literatuurstudie bestaan uit twee hoofstukke. In die eerste hoofstuk is die etnies-sensitiewe perspektief en rouberaad modelle bespreek, daar is ook aandag gegee aan die integrering van die etnies-sensitiewe perspektief met die rouberaad modelle. Die tweede hoofstuk handel oor dood en rou in die Xhosa-kultuur; die rol van die maatskaplike werker as rouberader en die kennis, waardes en vaardighede wat benodig word om rouberaad te doen. Met die literatuurstudie is vasgestel dat 'n maatskaplike werker wat etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad met 'n Xhosa-sprekende persoon wil doen, spesifieke kennis van die Xhosa-sprekende persoon se rouproses moet hê. Vaardighede en waardes moet ook aangepas word by die behoeftes van die Xhosa-sprekende persoon in rou. In die literatuurstudie het dit ook duidelik na vore gekom dat suksesvolle etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad slegs gedoen kan word indien die maatskaplike werker deeglike kennis dra van sy/haar eie ervaringe en houdings ten opsigte van die rouproses en ten opsigte van 'n ander kultuur, byvoorbeeld die Xhosa-kultuur. 'n Empiriese studie is gedoen om Xhosa-sprekende persone se behoeftes ten opsigte van rouberaad te bepaal. Die respondente het bestaan uit Xhosa-sprekende persone wat in 'n rouproses was. 'n Vraelys met kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe vrae is as meetinstrument gebruik, en is deur tien respondente voltooi. Die steekproef van tien respondente is verkry deur doelbewuste seleksie, van respondente wat bereidwillig en beskikbaar vir die navorsing was. Die bevindinge van die empiriese studie het aangedui dat Xhosa-sprekend persone unieke behoeftes het wat in ag geneem moet word tydens rouberaad. Daar is bevestig dat dit vir 'n maatskaplike werker nodig is om spesifieke kennis van die Xhosa-sprekende persoon se rouproses te hê, ten einde etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad te lewer. Die bevindinge lig duidelike riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers by etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad met Xhosa-sprekende persone uit.

In the Xhosa culture, Nguni cattle have always been valued due to cultural rituals purpose but were not viewed from a development perspective. In fact, traditionally, in Xhosa society, cattle were used not only as primary sources of food such as milk, meat and other related secondary products, but in the performance of rituals. From milk one can get sour milk (amasi) which is a staple diet for both young ones and adults. Furthermore, butter, which was traditionally used for cosmetics purposes, is also derived from milk. Thus, the focus of this study is on the paradigm shift, as well as the role played by cattle in Xhosa cultural rituals and agriculture.

This study examines the custom of circumcision in the context of culture, law and the Constitution. In Chapter 1 the writer considers the pervasive role of culture in the context of the current debate in relation to equality versus culture. In Chapter 2 the writer considers the origin, development and the legal significance of the custom of circumcision in the Eastern Cape. In Chapter 3 the writer traces the circumstances leading to the enactment of the Provincial statute governing circumcision of children. In this chapter the writer also poses the question whether an aspect of morality can effectively be regulated by law. Chapter 4 looks at the question of cultural rights in terms of the Constitution and the possible effect of the promulgation of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities Act 19 of 2000 on the approach of the courts in respect of constitutional challenges directed at some aspects of customary law. Chapter 5 looks at the custom of circumcision and the need for the protection of children. The writer raises the issue of the role of traditional leaders in the eradication of abuses associated with circumcision. The last Chapter comments on the reasons for the failure of the new Act governing circumcision in the Province.

Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
The purpose of this thesis is to attempt to understand the concept of manhood in the context of Xhosa-speaking people; and to investigate why it is significant for them to use traditional circumcision in the male initiation ritual. In the context of the research problem, the aim is to understand: i) why traditional circumcision is important in executing this ritual, ii) people’s beliefs about the concept of manhood, iii) how the initiation ritual is practised in the present day, iv) the controversy and debate around the initiation ritual in the Eastern Cape, and v) the role of the government’s policies in regulating this rite. In terms of research design and methodology, I used qualitative research. The sampling method includes non-probability sampling – that is purposive or judgmental sampling. In the research process I utilized individual interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and any literature that was relevant to this study. The field research was conducted in Mchubakazi Township in Butterworth, Eastern Cape. As regards the research findings, the following data came out: firstly, manhood refers to belonging to a group of men who live in a certain village. These men are characterised by having undergone the initiation ritual, especially using traditional circumcision. A man who has undergone hospital circumcision is more likely to experience humiliation and disrespect from the orthodox Xhosa-speakers. Their argument in support of this statement is that he is only half a man. Secondly, traditional circumcision is perceived as being significant in this ritual; it is a necessary adventure a male must go through in order to become a man. It is basically an act of courage. It is not necessarily compulsory in the process of transforming a boy into a man, but it is important for his image in the eyes of the community. Thirdly, the initiation ritual of Xhosa-speakers consists of four phases, namely: the ‘entering phase’ (umgeno), the phase of being an initiate (ubukhwetha), the ‘coming out phase’ (umphumo) and the phase of being a graduate (ubukrwala).

The dominant emphasis in Western models of bereavement is on the breaking of bonds with the deceased in order for healing to occur. Failure to let go often leads to a diagnosis of 'pathological grief'. This paper challenges the assumption that death invariably means that the bonds with the deceased have to be severed. Situating Western models of bereavement in a modernist context not only challenges the 'truth' claims of these models, but also facilitates a deconstruction of the elements that contribute to the emphasis on letting go. In contrast to these theories, two Xhosa rituals (umkhapho and umbuyiso) that seek to sustain the bond with the deceased person will be examined. Such rituals demonstrate that it is possible to both maintain the bond and for the bereaved person to move on with their lives. Despite different contexts, it will be argued that these Xhosa bereavement rituals have a contribution to make to Western models of bereavement and some implications for therapy will be explored.

‘Ulwaluko’ (the male initiation custom) has been practised for generations by many cultures in South Africa and in Africa as a whole. AmaXhosa are amongst the population groups in South Africa within whom this custom has survived pre colonially and through the colonial and apartheid eras up to the current democracy. While this custom was reserved for older, mature and senior boys in the past, there is evidence that nowadays immature and junior boys as young as 12 years are taken to the initiation school. This study sought to understand how these newly graduated initiated men (amakrwala) cope with their multifaceted identities, as learners in a secondary school and as adults in the community. The study also seeks to explore a leadership style that can be sensitive to the needs of ‘amakrwala’ at school. This is a qualitative study which used interpretivism as the research paradigm. Phenomenology is the research design and phenomenological interviews were used as the data gathering tools. The findings reveal that there are tensions that exist between modernity and tradition in socialising amakrwala. The school represents the modern space and the home and community are the traditional spaces. In the formal school environment there is minimal or no recognition of the new identity of the ‘amakrwala’. At school ‘amakrwala’ are seen as learners. Their identity and status remain unchanged from what they were before they went to the initiation school. However, in the community and at home, they are elevated from a childhood to an adult status and their identities are thus re-shaped.

This study was undertaken in an attempt to investigate the analogy between the Crisis Intervention Model and the Funeral Rites of the amaXhosa. The latter group includes both traditional as well as Western Christian elements. The study was confined to the geographical area of Ciskei and more specifically the villages in and around Peddie and Ndevana near Zwelitsha, as regards traditional people, and the Black townships of Zwelitsha and Whittlesea,as regards more Westernized people. It is, however, the contention of the study that experiences discussed here are common to Blacks in South Africa irrespective of ethnicity. The justification for this generalisation is based on anthropological commonalities as well as historical vicissitudes among Blacks in Southern Africa. For instance, ritual slaughter performed after death in propitiation with the ancestors is known among all Blacks in South Africa. Also the Politico-historical events as well as socio-economic developments in the country affect Blacks in a more or less similar manner. For example, the changing family structure among Blacks, because of changes from one type of economy to another, is a social process affecting all Blacks in Southern Africa - in particular the working class (Colin Murray, 1980). The Funeral rites under study are postulated as possessing elements of therapeutic and practical value which result in the alleviation of grief and the encouragement of full acceptable means of mourning. The study is chiefly descriptive and anthropological material has been used. Recordings were made from participant observation whenever there was a funeral in the area studied. Information about funerals is easily obtainable as these are announced over Radio Ciskei and Radio Xhosa every evening. Mourners and interveners were interviewed. The former to elicit the needs they had felt, the latter to elicit the needs they had perceived the former to have. The Crisis Intervention Model is fairly simple to understand and uses practical theory. Therefore, it is not surprising that there should be elements of similarity between this model and the funeral rites of the amaXhosa as both deal with people in need of support. These funeral rites are rooted in a culture which has as one of its crucial aspects intimate, face-to-face interaction of its members in constant exchange as regards both emotional support and services. These "credit networks" ensure that a person is never bereft of emotional support. Moreover, temporary services are always accorded to a person in crisis. An effort has been made to relate the Crisis Intervention Model to the South African context of Blacks (both traditional as well as Christian). By necessity this has meant looking at all cultural dimensions of Black society - historical, political, economic and cultural, in order to provide a clearer picture of the people under study. That is, human psychological experiences of grief and mourning are seen as processes related to and developing within the concrete everyday realities. Some of the experiences described have been personally witnessed by the researcher in her personal involvement with cultural practices. Funerals are, of necessity, sad occasions and this study, using participant observation methods sometimes brought on sad memories of the researcher's own losses of loved ones. In the discussion a comparison was made between the traditional methods of grief work, the Crisis Intervention theory and the mourner studied and it was found that these rites do indeed, contain therapeutic and practical elements of dealing with grief and mourning, comparable to the Crisis Intervention Model. Finally in the conclusior a proposal for further areas of study in this field was suggested.