My brother Qhamani Nande Xameni and his friends build ubuhlanti (kraal) at the back of they yard. 2021 December
Elderly men slaughter a sheep as a sacrifice for the ceremony. December 2021
Xhosa men at my brothers return braai met and stretch out a tent ahead of the celebration.
Women and young girls cut vegetables and cook food in the house in preparation of the celebration
Siyabonga returns from the mountain accompanied by friends, neighbors and his cousins
Siyabonga returns from the mountain accompanied by friends, neighbors and his cousins
Qhamani returns from the mountain accompanied by oTyopoho and other men. Before entering the yard they perform a small ritual.
Qhamani returns from the mountain accompanied by our uncle Vusumzi.
Siya sits in the room alongside our cousins Gift and Mbulelo, enveloped in a moment where the matriarch bestows blessings upon Siyabonga. With heartfelt words of wisdom.
My aunt Nomthunzi and cousins Akhona and Nomthunzi joyously sing and dance as they welcome my brother back from his journey in the mountains.
Siyabonga's mother and our grandmother share a tender embrace, their hearts overflowing with relief and joy at the safe return of their sons.
The matriarch, composed of sisters Thandeka, Vuyiswa, and Koleka, gathers to witness and honor my brother's ceremony of return. Their presence signifies the strength of familial bonds and the continuity of tradition as they stand together to welcome him back into the fold.
At my brother's return ceremony, my aunt Fundiswa gracefully cuts vegetables, infusing the atmosphere with the aromas and essence of tradition.
Family members sing and dance as Siyabonga returns from the mountain
Our aunt Nolusindiso stands with cousins Asenathi and Yonela. Asenathi carries our little cousin on his shoulders.
Our aunt Nontobeko cuts meat
Qhamani Nande stands in his temporary room upon his return.
Our aunt Nontsikelelo sings with joy.
