'Manhood will make Mbalula a better leader'

Published Oct 6, 2008

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Former ANC Youth League leader Fikile Mbalula will be a much better leader now that he has been initiated into manhood, a Xhosa traditional leader has said.

"He is definitely going to be a much better leader than he was," said Patekile Holomisa, president of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA.

Mbalula, 37 and father of one child, has completed a month at a traditional circumcision school in Philippi.

He was released on Friday after a hut-burning ceremony, and was flown to Bloemfontein in businessman Tokyo Sexwale's private jet for a celebration at his mother's home in Bloemfontein.

Among those who attended were ANC Free State chairperson Ace Magashule and former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni.

Holomisa said initiation was extremely important in Xhosa culture as it taught young men how to deal with women, children, elders, their equals and community affairs.

"You can't be considered a leader if you are not a man. It's improper for a boy to take on a man's responsibilities as a leader."

Asked how this squared with Mbalula's having played a major role on the national political stage for several years, Holomisa said it was expected he would "improve".

"The kind of leadership... will be more dignified now than the rabble-rousing while he was a boy." - Sapa

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