Planning a Traditional Umgidi on a Budget?

In many families in our country this is one of the most celebrated events. A boy goes to the bush and comes back a man. Every year, mostly in June and December, thousands of boys head to initiation school and return a few weeks later. These events are often lavish and get expensive for families already under financial strain. Here we will share our top tips to stay within your Umgidi budget.

OLD VS NEW WAY OF CELEBRATING

70 Years ago an umgidi looked very different. It was often celebrated with only a few bottles of brandy and homemade umqombothi. No animals were slaughtered, no debt was made and their sons would still be recognised as men wherever they went. The umgidi was at it’s core about the pride and support of family and community. The word literally means to bring and share.

Fast forward to 2022 it can take up to 2 years to plan a traditional function and amount to tens of thousands of rand for the celebration arrangements and supplies.

How to save on your budget

Venue – Hire a marquee tent, chairs and tables and set it up in your yard or open piece of land to accommodate your guests. It is affordable, easy to set up and takedown, and is also effective protection from the weather.

Food – Ask every family that you invite to bring a dish to the event. This will ensure that there is enough food for everybody and that there is variety as well. It will save the family from having to buy expensive cattle. And have a budget to provide a cake!

Drink – Make your own umqombothi! It is easy and inexpensive.
Attire – When you are saving on your venue and catering, you will have some extra cash to spend on the attire. If you are having your outfits made, make sure to get a few quotations and also look around for some hardly used items on Facebook Marketplace.

Decor – Get creative. Take some inspiration from nature, use sticks, plants rocks to create some nice decor pieces. Ask a creative friend to help you out. Head over to Pinterest for some affordable DIY ideas.

Last we want to remind you that your celebration should be a coming together of people, and there is no need to impress with extravagancies.

Contact Rams Hiring Solutions, situated in East London for the hire of Marquee Tents, chairs and large catering pots. For the kids, we hire out jumping castles. We provide affordable equipment to our community. We deliver, set up and takedown.

Contact Rishi for a quotation at 083 457 6043