Lebollo la basadi also known as female initiation among the Basotho is a rite of passage ritual which marks the transition of girls into womanhood. This activity is still practiced in the Free State, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces of South Africa. In Sesotho, lebollo means initiation. The Basotho rite of passage ritual, unlike other practices in Africa, does not involve procedures which remove parts of the female genital organ. However, the inner folds of the labia are enlarged & elongated by stretching for a more pleasurable sexual experience. In areas where initiation is still valued, uninitiated girls are ridiculed by society.
South African children are compelled by its constitution to attend school. It is for this reason that the initiation schools for girls were made open twice a year, in June and December, so that those who are able to attend in June may do so and for the many who cannot due to school or other reasons may attend in December helping to keep the culture alive.
Location
The rite of passage of ‘lebolla’ commonly occurs in rural areas where the Basotho are more traditionally oriented. It occurs on farms and small villages where the resources and environment aid in creating the setting for the rituals. Areas with a higher incidence of female initiation include Ficksburg and Clocolan in the Free State as well as in Butha-Buthe and Mphosong in Lesotho. Elongation of the labia is not done in hospitals or clinics as there is no medical requirement for it.
Timing
Basotho female initiation schools are planned to correspond with the rising of the full moon. The full moon symbolizes female sexuality and fertility for the Basotho people. Seasons and favourable conditions are also considered. Some schools take place in October however, many participate in December which allows for scholars to attend during their holiday.
Age
The minimum age for a girl to attend initiation school is 12. Ages of initiation school attendance range from 12 to 20 years old however the generally accepted age for girls is between 15 and 18. The incidence of a girl's first menses, ‘menarche’, is regarded as a positive indication for physical and spiritual readiness for initiation school attendance. While having reached puberty is a good indicator for readiness for joining the initiation school, puberty is not a strict requirement.
Roles
A female traditional healer/traditional surgeon called a ‘’ngaka’’ is required for the initiation practice. The traditional healer is found during the planning stage of the initiation. The traditional healer is believed to have more clarity of natural forces and their interaction with the world. Activities only commence once the ‘ngaka’ arrives. Additional local traditional doctors are sometimes asked to oversee the process however, their presence is not essential.
The promotor, known as ‘monga mophato’ promotes the initiation school thus ‘owns’ the initiation school. Promoters usually devote their entire lives to facilitating initiation schools and become more sought after with more years of experience. The promoter is responsible for supplying food, which includes the slaughtering of animals for ceremonies. It is also the promotor's responsibility to find a reputable traditional healer. The promoters become renowned for their work and are often requested to present an initiation school. They receive remuneration in the form of meat and money. The instructress, known as ‘mosuwe’ in Sesotho, takes responsibility for the care and training of the initiates for the duration of the initiation period. They are also responsible for initiate discipline.
Legislation
The Free State Initiation School Health Act of 2004 (No. 1 of 2004) stipulates criteria and regulations necessary to conduct initiation schools. One of the requirements includes explicit, written permission to host the initiation school and treat initiates by the District Medical Officer. Other requirements include written consent of those over 18 years of age and parental consent for those below the age of 18., a clean bill of health by a primary health care nurse or a medical practitioner. A district Environmental Officer, designated by the MEC, inspects the initiation schools ensuring that there is adequate water supply, hygienic food preparation as well as adequate instruments (if physical circumcision is done). The initiation school may not be held for longer than 2 months and initiates are not to be subject to any form of corporal punishment.