What is imbeleko?

Imbeleko is a ceremony or a ritual done to introduce a new born baby to the elders and ancestors. Children who are also in their teenage hood can do this ritual if they were not introduced when they were born.

A goat is slaughtered as a sacrifice to the ancestors when doing this ceremony. This ceremony or ritual is done so that the ancestors may know their child and accept him or her. When doing the ritual the elders will speak to the ancestors and ask them to guide and protect the child.