28 Aug 2014

About 220 Balete tribesmen will on August 30 graduate from the traditional initiation and ritual training.


The event, which will be held at the main kgotla, coincides with the annual Balete Cultural Day.
 The new regiment follows in the footsteps of Matsosangwao who graduated in 2012 followed by the female regiments last year.


Balete deputy chief, Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi said in an interview that the initiates will be given a new name upon completion of their intensive training as it is the norm.
 He said preparations for the event are at an advanced stage and said Kgosi Maruje III from Masunga in the North East will officiate at the ceremony.

Kgosi Mokgosi said initially, about 136 men had indicated the desire to undergo training, but the number increased and 220 men will graduate.
 He said the event is held mainly to revive the Balete culture, adding that some had to make sacrifices such as applying for unpaid leave to partake in the event.


Balete revived the traditional initiation regiment in 2012 after it had been nonexistence in the territory for almost 33 years.
 As is custom, this year’s mophato is expected to be given a name and a task by the Balete Kgosikgolo, Kgosi Mosadi.
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