The effect of the disappearance of Kgoro cultural practice on traditional values in the modern era

Abstract

The formalisation of education within a modernised context has led to the belief that morality and adulthood can be acquired through the reading of appropriate literature and institutionalised educational interventions. Modern society has different perceptions and beliefs regarding whether the lessons learned from the community have space in the lives of young boys, especially in the modern society. In African culture, identity and pride in the lives of young boys is important since they anchor the boys to their roots. This article aims to highlight the impact of the absence of traditional values and morality due to the disappearance of the kgoro meetings in the South African communities. In addition, it will highlight how the community contributes to the growth and development of boys and the preservation of culture. This is a qualitative study whereby community leaders, elderly men, and young men were interviewed to share their knowledge and experiences of the kgoro. The interpretivist approach was employed to explain and interpret concepts related to the kgoro meetings. The study used Indigenous African Systems in Education as a framework. It was found that the kgoro teaches boys traditional values and it is also a lifelong learning through orality.