OTA boys' initiation slated for September
Enrolments open now
The second round of the traditional rite of passage, which was revived last year for a new generation, is set to take place in Etosha.
A second round of boys' initiations by the Ondonga Traditional Authority (OTA) is slated to take place later this year.
Parents who want their children to participate are invited to enrol them now, the OTA announced.
Last year, the traditional authority revived the ancient tradition to, as they explained, instill positive masculinity among Ondonga men.
Preventing them from "becoming gay" and preparing them for future leadership positions were among other reasons cited by the traditional authority for their decision to revive the tradition, which takes place at the Etosha salt pans.
Overall, the exercise was held to help revive culture and improve social conduct among Ondonga’s male population, the organisers said.
The initiation process will be led by the chairperson of the Ondonga Traditional Council, John Walenga.
Two-year process
In a recent press release, Walenga announced that this year the initiation will take place at Ekango Lyomongwa, an Etosha salt pan, on 10 September.
Participants will depart from Onambango Royal Palace, he said, and be bid farewell by Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo before embarking on the journey.
The traditional authority announced last year that the initiation is a two-year course, and those who participated last year will not go to the salt pan again but will attend a meeting with elders and traditional leaders to pass on what they’ve been taught to others.
Participants from various traditional authorities in the Aawambo are welcome.
Walenga also reminded the public to join them this weekend at the Ondonga Palace for the Omagongo Annual Festival, which is held on a rotational basis by the eight northern traditional authorities of Aawambo. This year, Nangolo is the host.
Parents who want their children to participate are invited to enrol them now, the OTA announced.
Last year, the traditional authority revived the ancient tradition to, as they explained, instill positive masculinity among Ondonga men.
Preventing them from "becoming gay" and preparing them for future leadership positions were among other reasons cited by the traditional authority for their decision to revive the tradition, which takes place at the Etosha salt pans.
Overall, the exercise was held to help revive culture and improve social conduct among Ondonga’s male population, the organisers said.
The initiation process will be led by the chairperson of the Ondonga Traditional Council, John Walenga.
Two-year process
In a recent press release, Walenga announced that this year the initiation will take place at Ekango Lyomongwa, an Etosha salt pan, on 10 September.
Participants will depart from Onambango Royal Palace, he said, and be bid farewell by Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo before embarking on the journey.
The traditional authority announced last year that the initiation is a two-year course, and those who participated last year will not go to the salt pan again but will attend a meeting with elders and traditional leaders to pass on what they’ve been taught to others.
Participants from various traditional authorities in the Aawambo are welcome.
Walenga also reminded the public to join them this weekend at the Ondonga Palace for the Omagongo Annual Festival, which is held on a rotational basis by the eight northern traditional authorities of Aawambo. This year, Nangolo is the host.
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