Mbalula kidnapped for initiation

2008-09-14 18:11

Sivuyile Mbambato

Johannesburg - Former ANCYL president and NEC member Fikile Mbalula was abducted for initiation.

The Gugulethu man who circumcised him, Maduna Nqabeni, has confirmed that the vibrant Mbalula was initially not aware that his time had come when his fellow comrades picked him up on Saturday evening.

When Mbalula realised what was about to happen he put up such a fight that Nqabeni lost his cellphone in the mayhem as Mbalula tried to make a dash for it. He was overpowered by his fellow comrades, who where at the scene.

"Laa ntwana (that boy) was not informed about the circumcision. But now he has accepted what has happened. He is going to graduate and become a man and he is looking forward to that," said Nqabeni.

The traditional surgeon says he was not surprised when ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni approached him to circumcise Mbalula.

Detour to the bushes

Nqabeni told City Press that what Mbalula had thought would be a quick drive to Cape Town International Airport took a detour to the bushes of Phillipi, where he was to be circumcised.

Nqabeni said he was told by Yengeni, NEC member Nyami Booi and provincial secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha to circumcise Mbalula.

Yengeni himself is one of the proud and loyal products of Nqabeni's sharp scalpel.

Nqabeni has initiated several high-profile politicians who are now in government. Last week Nqabeni, whose manhood name is Dalingozi, which means "causing havoc", added the outspoken Mbalula to the list of prominent politicians he has circumcised over five decades of practising as ingcibi.

"We need our leaders to intervene and help protect our traditions, but there is nothing they can do if they are not men themselves," said Nqabeni.

"I find it strange that there are leaders in the ANC who are boys. I find it disturbing."

- City Press