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‘HO-Bolla’ Research Report

03 January 2012

By

P KOUAKOU

Assisted by

T WAYI

Abstract: Research and Development Activities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION P3

II. THE REPORT P4-19

A. GENERAL PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS TRADITIONAL MALE CIRCUM CISION P4 [IN SOUTH AFRICA] - [Supporting document(s): ANNEX 1 & 2]

B. THE PROPAGANDA - [Supporting document(s): ANNEX 2] P5

C. THE MISSING NOTE P5

D. WALAZA VILLAGE: PRESENTATION P5-9

E. THE ‘SESOTHO CIRCUMCISION’ IN WALAZA VILLAGE – [Supporting Documents: P10

ANNEX 3 & 4]

F. THE STORY P10

G. THE CHARACTERS & INTERVIEWS P10-15

H. LOCATION RECCEE REPORT P16

I. CHALLENGES P16

J. RESEARCH TRAILER P16

III. CONCLUSION P21

ANNEXURE : - [e-mail attachments] ANNEXURE 1: Research Documents 1 ANNEXURE 2: Research documents 2 ANNEXURE 3: Pictures of Walaza ANNEXURE 4: Statistics South Africa - Strekspruit

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I. INTRODUCTION This document constitutes the report of the research conducted in terms of the ‘Research & Development’ of the documentary entitled Ho-Bolla [initially entitled Mountain Circumcision/Walaza Village.SA]. It canvasses all the activities undertaken, resumes the information gathered as regard the subject matter & the story, render account of all meetings, interviews, location(s) reccee and gives a clear break down of all expenses and payments.It was prepared by P KOUAKOU [the Director/Producer] assisted by T. WAYI [the Assistant Director/Producer]

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II. THE REPORT

A. GENERAL PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS [TRADITIONAL]MALE CIRCUMCISION [IN SOUTH AFRICA]- [Supporting document(s):ANNEX 1 & 2]

• Essence: Male Circumcision is a worldwide practice - but predominant in Africa. The

first official account of Male Circumcision is related in the Christian Bible – Genesis 17 - when Melchiezedek [the God of Abraham] commanded Abram to circumcise and consecrate both himself and all the first-born of his house unto him. It was initially a Religious practice in the house of Abraham – seen as a token/covenant between the God of Abraham and the House of Abraham. It consisted essentially in consecrating firstborns ritualistically unto the God of Abraham [Melchiezedek] through the cutting of the foreskin. Over the years, the practice was adopted by the house of Israel or Ham [Black House] and turned into a cult, an initiation to spirituality referred to as a Rite of Passage to Manhood. In current days, Male Circumcision is approached as a Protective Medical Measure against diseases - particularly against HIV AIDS.

• Acceptability& Preference: Traditional Male Circumcision is accepted in South Africa as part of culture and is most preferred among almost all ethnic groups.

• Interpretation: Traditional Male Circumcision is considered in South Africa as a Rite of Passage to Manhood - not limited to the cutting of the foreskin. For many, it is an Initiation School…

• Reasons for Circumcision: The main reasons for circumcision would be Religious, Cultural, Social and Medical. However, in South Africa, Traditional Male Circumcision seems to be approached for ‘Social Acceptance & Integration’.

• Fear: The main fear noted towards ‘Traditional Male Circumcision’ is the fear of death. Most people are worried about the safety of Traditional Circumcision whereas many more would love to know in depth the actual ‘Circumcision’ activities before they engage.

• Obstacles: The main obstacles to Traditional Circumcision would be: Religion [mainly Christianity and Islam], the Secrecy that governs Traditional Circumcision and the Propaganda against Traditional Circumcision.

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B. THE PROPAGANDA - [Supporting document(s):ANNEX 2]

Most news or articles about ‘Traditional Circumcision’ are negative – mainly tending or discrediting ‘Traditional Circumcision’ to the benefit of Modern/Hospital Circumcision.

C. THE MISSING NOTE Current views, interpretation and approaches towards ‘Traditional Circumcision’ tarry much on the physical aspect of Traditional Circumcision and as a result miss out the most sensitive aspect thereof – which would be an Initiation to Spirituality and Transcendence.

D. WALAZA VILLAGE: PRESENTATION- [Supporting Documents: Pictures of

Walaza– ANNEX 3 & 4] Walaza Village is a small South African village situated along the line(s) of the Orange River, in the windblown hills [at the boarder] between Eastern Cape and Free State. It’s a multicultural village made of 3 tribes in its countenance: the Xhosa, the Hlubi and the Sotho. Its population and size could not be confirmed at this stage: as per the information received from ‘Statistics South Africa’, there are NO ‘stats’ available for individual villages in the province – instead, individual villages ‘stats’ were attributed to the local municipality of jurisdiction. ANNEX 5. It falls under the Strekspruit Local municipality.

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*A Rural Place: The village still at rural stage: NO Street light… NO Street Name… NO Decent Roads… Farming & Gardening as a mode of Self-sustainability in terms of Milk, Food and Money… NO Public Library… NO Post Office… NO Public Clinic… Old & Degraded Houses… Graves in/about yard… NOT many people dispose of Municipal Water [Supply]… Inadequate Toilet [especially for Women]… As most African villages, the village is under Rural Exodus. Due to the High Rate of Unemployment, most youths [including elders] migrate to towns in search of jobs. Lucky are those who find ‘work’ around the local town.

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*A Cultural Place: It’s a 3-Class [Hierarchized] Society made of the Uncircumcised, the Circumcised and the Elders. It disposes of Chief/King – ‘Nkosi’ – who serves under the authority of the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders is the most influential and authorative body that decides over all cultural activities and appointment in the village. However, each tribe has its own ‘council of elders’ that decides over all cultural activities and appointment as regards its tribe. Culture and Tradition still occupy a primordial place into the people lives. As a result thereof the almost every day life of the village is filled with Cultural Ceremonies – varying from the traditional ‘Nkombothi’, to Marriage… Offering to Ancestors…up unto Circumcision. Traditional Circumcision – ‘Mountain Circumcision’ - is an essential criterion for Social Acceptance and Integration. One who does not undergo ‘Traditional Circumcision’ is socially regressed to a Non-Man/Woman – a ‘inkwenkwe’ - and may not partake certain rituals and

The King/Chief

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activities done by Men/Women. Traditional Circumcisions are held twice a year: in June and in December – according or depending on the concerned tribe. Despise the western influence, the traditional ‘Dressing Code’ - of ‘blanket and stuff/rod’ for men – still subsists the tide of civilization. Further, the Social Rank is easily depicted through the ‘Dressing Code’. There are only 2 Primary and Secondary Schools in the village. The one of our interest is as displayed hereunder. Site of Interest and Attraction The ‘Wells’: The village disposes of 2 Wells: the one provide pure water for drinking and the

other one provides water for other purposes than drinking. As a result of ‘NO Municipal Water in Houses’, people have to walk distance to get water from the ‘Wells’. Lucky are those that have means of transport.

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The River: The River [Orange River] plays a very capital role in the life of the people of the

village. It provides both Fish & Water. In addition, people also bath and do their washing in the river.

Store(s): There are about 6 main Tuck Shops or ‘Grocery Stores’ in the village: 4 are

Indian-owned and 2 are Black-owned. In addition to the list, there is a Brick Firm. However, all the aforementioned stores’ pictures cannot be display herein at this stage.

The ‘Soccer field’: Soccer is the most popular sport in the village. As to the Information there is

a local tournament – playing on Saturdays on the local field; hence every Saturday, the field get filled up with supporters and fans. Unfortunately, the tournament was closed by the time of our research.

General Activities& Commodities Herding: It’s the least any male can do. Youth would even get some herding ‘peace-job’ for

a R100.00 or R150.00 a month. Fishing: Fishing is one of the main activities of the village. It is practiced as a mean of

providence - in terms of food and money: ‘Fishes’ are consumed or sold for cash. Farming: It is the most natural activity in the village. Most yards dispose of Small Gardens

within the space of the yard as well as cattles and/or fowls. It is also practiced as a mean of Self-sustainability.

GettingWater at the Wells: ‘Getting Water at the Wells’ is integral in the life of the people of

the village. As a result of ‘NO Municipal Water’ in houses/yards, the village rallies to the well(s) for water from the first light up until dusk or night.

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Church-Going: Church is the main antagonist to culture – inciting mainly teenagers/youths and women to western practices. Church-going is now becoming both a fashion and a new culture in the village.

E. THE ‘ SESOTHO CIRCUMCISION’ IN WALAZA VILLAGE The Circumcision: The ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ in Walaza is mainly for Sotho(s) - but is not

restricted to Sotho(s). It is a pure ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ - authorized and regulated by the Head House in Lesotho. It was initially a 6 Month-Circumcision but has been reduced to 40 days over the [past] years. It’s only open to 17 years old and beyond.

The Fable: There‘s a fable about ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ - told to circumcised or

initiates - that advises about the essence and origins of the ‘Sesotho Circumcision’. Unfortunately, the clear and actual story cannot be related at this stage – or without the approval or recommendation of the ‘Council of the Sesotho Elders’.

The Secrecy: The ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ in Walaza is governed by high Secrecy. It is

estimated far beyond the cutting of the foreskin. For Sesotho(s) Elders in Walaza, ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ is considered an Initiation [School] to Secret Wisdom – a Rite of passage to Manhood - which ought not to be shared with uncircumcised or Non-Initiates.

F. THE STORY The story related by the Central Character is true: Locations, Characters and Activities related in the story are both true and real – even as confirmed by the characters interviewed i.e. The Mother, the Pastor, the Friend’s mother, the Opah, etc…

G. CHARACTERS & INTERVIEWS Most of the intended characters of the film have been contacted; some of which have been met and interviewed – referring mainly to Character Archetypes and other secondary Characters. Some [Circumcised & Elders] are awaiting the authority from the council of elders before releasing a word about ‘Sesotho Circumcision’ and/or the story.

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1. The Central Character: ThapeloNtsie Hight: 1.80 m Weight: 75 kg Age: 24 years Good looking… From rural area… Former Christian & SA Matriculant... Grown by uncircumcised grandmother… Firm, Confident and Imposing. He was met and interviewed at his home on the 25/12/2011.

2. The Comforter: Sibulelo …[The Girlfriend]

She was met and interviewed at her home on the 23/12/2011 The Son: Nkylo Ntsie

3. The Antagonist(s)

3.1 The Mother: Sibulelo Ntsie

She was met & interviewed at her home on the 23/12/2011

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3.2 The Late Sister: Mamosa Ntsie [Main Antagonist]

She is late. Her picture and that of her grave and testimonies were taken. The photo will be added hereafter.

3.3 The Other Sister: Matshidiso Ntsie

She was interviewed out of camera at her home on the 15/12/2011. A photo will be added hereafter.

4. The Trickster(s): 4.1 Ntshapo

He was met and interviewed out of camera. He will only accept an on-camera interview after the approval of the Council of the Sesotho Elders. A photo will be added hereafter.

4.2 Mbongi

He was met and interviewed out of camera. He has no problem for on-camera interview. A photo will be added hereafter.

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5. The Herald: Themba

He is late. A picture of the grave and Testimony were taken from his mother and brothers. A photo will be added hereafter.

5.1 The Herald’s Mother [& Brothers]: Titi

She was met and interviewed at her home on the24/12/2011. She has turned into a drunkard but still has her senses.

5.2 The Herald’s Uncle a.k.a Bobby

He was met and interviewed out of camera. He will accept an on camera interview after the approval of the Council of the Sesotho elders. A photo will be added hereafter.

6. The Pastor: Pastor Fikile

He was met and interviewed at his home on the 24/12/2011.A photo will be added hereafter.

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7. The Opah: Tshidiso

He was met and interviewed out of camera. He will accept an on camera interview after the approval of the Council of the Sesotho elders. A photo will be added hereafter.

8. The Central Character’s uncle: James Ntsie

He is late. A picture of the grave and testimonies were taken. A photo will be added hereafter.

9. The Anti-Circumcision: Pastor Lebalo

He was met and interviewed on-camera at his church on the 25/12/2011.A photo will be added hereafter.

10. The Chief/King [Name]

He was met and interviewed. But will accept an on-camera interview after the approval of the ‘Council of the Elders’.

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11. The Council of [the Sesotho] Elders

We met with the secretary of the house on the 22/12/2011 and submitted a letter for a meeting arrangement with the Sesotho Council of Elders. We are awaiting the outcome of the letter. However, it is to signal that the following characters refuse to relate a single note about ‘Circumcision’ without the approval of the Council of Elders; and those are: The Godfather(s), The Ingcebi, the Already Circumcised & his Father, the 4 Spiritual Teachers, the other 62 Initiates, and the Principal

12. The Anthropologist/Sociologist: Pr. Coplan

He is a professor at Wit University: an Anthropologist in A’cient Cultures & Traditions – specialized in Basotho Culture & Tradition. He was contacted telephonically and has no problem in taking an on-camera interview. A photo will be added hereafter.

13. The African Doctor & Spiritual: Hon. Prophet Credo Mutwa

He is an African Doctor & Spiritual. We are currently arranging an interview with him. It will be confirmed soon hereafter.

14. The Church Friend: Simthembile

She could not be met. She is not currently residing in the village and her whereabouts are unknown to the people.

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H. LOCATION RECCEE REPORT So far, the Characters’ locations seem perfect for interview. However, the measure aspect to consider is lighting – lights, projectors and reflectors – even as most of the interviews may be conducted ‘INDOOR’. Further, in terms of the story, the School and the Brick Firm seem perfect – supposing that the main actions will be in the ‘open’. However, it is to be advised that the both the village and the ‘Circumcision Mountain’ are not that much accessible or practicable by car – only by feet.

I. CHALLENGES The challenges encountered through the research are resumed in the following: 1. The Timing: We arrived in Walaza in a time of ‘Circumcision’. Our hope in scheduling the

Research for such a time was to basically capture live ‘Circumcision Activities’ and Interviews both in the village and on the ‘Circumcision Mountain’. But unfortunately, our timing was wrong. For, most bodies directly related to both the Story and the ‘Rite’ were busy – involved in the ‘2011 December Circumcision’; hence we could not be entertained or attended to.

2. The Secrecy: The term ‘Circumcision’ appears to be a taboo word in Walaza: none speaks of

‘Circumcision’ to uncircumcised - unless authorized/instructed by the ‘Council of Elders’ to do so. As a result thereof, we were advised to approach the ‘Office of the Elders’ in Strekspruit for such an ‘Authority’. And we are currently making the necessary arrangement [Letter & Calls] with ‘Sesotho House’ in Strekspruit for a meeting with the ‘Council of the Sesotho Elders’ in this regard.

However, a meeting was held with the council of elders on the 13 February 2012 and we have granted permission to proceed with the documentary and allocated two elders [Jonathan, the king of Walaza @ 073 769 4297 and Tata Masiza @073 443 5777 to assist us.

J. RESEACH TRAILER We are currently in the process of making an expansive Research Trailer in supplement to this report – covering most of which has been omitted or not mentioned herein; mainly Pictures and Interviews. A copy thereof will be sent unto yourselves upon completion.

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III. CONCLUSION At the outset, the Story and the Locations as well as Characters and Interviewees are confirmed. Wherefore I humbly trust that the work can proceed – referring to the next step of the Research & Development i.e. Outline.