PowerFM Interview: You can’t drink your way into manhood

Kwanda Ndoda, one of the co-authors of the recent Sowetan op-ed You won’t find manhood at the bottom of a bottle, joined PowerFM to discuss how alcohol companies are increasingly using Xhosa initiation ceremonies as marketing spaces for hard liquor — a trend he argues undermines the core values of uLwaluko and heightens risks for young initiates. Drawing on his work as a development practitioner at the DG Murray Trust, Kwanda unpacked the cultural, social and safety implications of this commercial intrusion, and highlighted why traditional leaders, policymakers and communities must act to protect the integrity of initiation practices during this critical season.