The Shangani-speaking community has their own female initiation ceremony which is known as 'tikhombeni' or 'Komba'. Over the course of this initiation ceremony, the girls in question are taught about key matters such as their customs, various family matters and the roles and responsibilities of a good wife. Most of the initiation proceedings typically take place at night.
It is a preparation for adulthood and the roles that come with it. The ceremony deals with proper social in addition to sexual behaviour which is expected in adult life. It also typically would involve manipulation of the genitals.
The ceremony will deal with issues such as faithfulness and compliance as a wife, respect for elders and even appropriate dress. While this may not seem fitting to people from different backgrounds, we need to understand and respect that this is a different culture. The girls have to be prepared to embrace their adult way of life.
It is a preparation for adulthood and the roles that come with it. The ceremony deals with proper social in addition to sexual behaviour which is expected in adult life. It also typically would involve manipulation of the genitals.
The ceremony will deal with issues such as faithfulness and compliance as a wife, respect for elders and even appropriate dress. While this may not seem fitting to people from different backgrounds, we need to understand and respect that this is a different culture. The girls have to be prepared to embrace their adult way of life.
