By Anita Dangazele
Staff at a Pick n Pay store in Kariega have come together to help 23-year-old trolley porter Sindile Adams go to initiation school.
Store manager Unathi Nodada explained that they decided to support Sindile after noticing a change in his behaviour.
“He was always well behaved and so when his behaviour suddenly changed, it became worrisome. He started drinking alcohol and so one of the men here at work decided to have a word with him,” Unathi said.
Sindile revealed that he was disappointed because his aunt, who had promised to take him to initiation school, didn’t follow through.
Unathi and the staff were concerned and wanted to help.
“I decided to call a meeting with female staff members, and asked that we put our heads together as mothers and see how we can help this young man go to initiation school.”
They visited Sindile’s’ home and saw that he was living in sad conditions.
Sindile’s parents both died when he was young; he was raised by his grandmother in Kwanobuhle, Kariega.
“We noticed that he was living with his grandmother in an RDP house with broken windows and that it was in a very poor state. After that visit, we were even more determined to help him achieve his dream of going to initiation school,” Unathi said.
Last Saturday, the staff raised enough money to send Adams to initiation school, covering the cost of the traditional surgeon and other necessary items.
“However, we still need help with buying groceries so that the family can cook for him while he is at the initiation school.
“We also need groceries and animals to slaughter for umojiso (a ceremony that takes place during the first seven days of the initiation, when a sheep is slaughtered for the young man) and his homecoming celebration (umgidi),” Unathi explained.
Pictured above: Pick n Pay Kariega staff members dressed as amazibazana (initiate’s mother).
Source: Supplied
