Melanie and Zwai Bala host umgidi for their son's initiation
December is one of the best months for the Xhosa nation because they get to host umgidi (traditional ceremonies) where families and the community get together.
Broadcaster Melanie “Mel” Bala and her ex-husband Zwai Bala hosted umgidi for their son Sean, who completed his initiation process.
The ceremony was attended by Mel’s close friends, including radio personality Unathi Nkayi, whose son completed his initiation last December.
“People always ask ‘What’s the secret to your co-parenting?’, and I say: @zeebala and I always, always put our children first.
“For working so hard to make this happen, for explaining (as much as is allowed) the steps involved in Sean’s initiation, for assuring me that you would be there every step of the way, for being patient with my 100 questions, for being progressive and open-minded, for bringing my heart back safely to me - Enkosi kakhulu TaKaLitha [thank you so much Litha’s dad],“ Mel wrote.
While Nkayi looked gorgeous in her umbhaco (Xhosa traditional attire), people called her out for drinking umqombothi (sorghum traditional beer) from the men’s bucket.
“This is just for the public to appear as an African woman. First of all omama [women] have their own bucket of umqombothi, they don't drink with men. Secondly, women aren't allowed to enter ubuhlanto boo Tata [men’s kraal], when men need something from the kitchen they send young men,” said @UMntuNgabantu.
Another X user, @lethu_mlonzi, said: “This thing of content has ruined a beautiful tradition; since when does a man share ibhekile [a bucket] with a woman unless bayarhabuliswa [offered a sip].”
Meanwhile, Mel thanked Pinky Bala for the big role she played in putting together the event as her son’s aunt.
“Sisi *claps once* I don’t know where I’d be, without you holding my hand in putting together a celebration of this magnitude. You were the engine of this thing, often times leading, sometimes following, but always right beside me. Always having my back by guiding me on what to do or wear culturally (a quick whispered ‘Did you remember a scarf?' For being such an incredible negotiator! Damn, girl. I had no idea,” she said.
She also thanked her friends for being there every step of the way.