The Xhosa male initiation tradition that marks a boy’s transition into manhood is called Ulwaluko.
Ulwaluko is a major rite of passage among many Xhosa communities in South Africa. Initiates traditionally leave home for a period of seclusion, where they receive instruction about adult responsibilities, social conduct, and community identity. Circumcision is part of the ritual in traditional practice.
The initiate is commonly called an initiand, or “abakhwetha” in Xhosa contexts. After the seclusion period, a public return marks the person’s changed social status, although details vary between communities and families.
Ulwaluko is distinct from lobola, which concerns marriage negotiations and bridewealth. It is also not identical to every South African initiation tradition: different peoples have their own names, rules, and ceremonies.