By Mziwandile Mpiti

The Dlathu family of George le Roux Drive held a traditional homecoming ceremony for their son Alizwa Dlathu on Holy Saturday. The son had returned from the traditional initiation school from the mountain.
Words of wisdom were given to the young initiate by the Dlathu, Ngibe, Mpinda and Madikizela families from Pondoland. Guests came from all over the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The ceremony was opened by Bishop Along wane of Methodist Church and Reverend Dlamini of Bhongweni Circuit Methodist Church. Guest Speaker at the event was Acting King of Pondoland, King Daluxolo Sigcau. The king said he was happy to speak in his forefather’s land as East Griqualand was ruled by King Faku before the signing of Maitland treaty.
The King advised the young initiate to lead by example. He encouraged the young man when grown up to build his own homestead. The King gave the young a heifer which will give birth to cattle which the young man will use to pay lobola when getting married.
The mother of the young man said she is happy that her son is back. She gave the son a gift of a Bible and asked him to continue respecting people. The father thanked all members of the Kokstad community for guiding his young son. He had a special thanks to Kokstad farmer Mr Zovuyo Ngejane who was of great assistance during the ceremony. Mr Zola Dlathu also had a special thanks to ikhankatha and Ingcibi Mr Xhamela from Mthatha who looked after the young man in the mountain. Nkosi Diko from Ntabankulu and Nkosi Ayanda Faku from Flagstaff and Nkosi Andile Mathomame from Umzintlanga Traditional Council graced the event.