Your columnist Rich Mkhondo plummets to new depths of depravity in his comment: "They're harmless school pranks" (The Star, February 25).
Mkhondo has clearly dismissed the initiation ceremonies at Parktown Boys' High as "old-fashioned fun" and just as clearly would want to see it continue unabated.
He begins his column by referring to a series of initiation practices members of a nameless tribe will be subjected to, all in the name of building character and culminating in what Mkhondo would no doubt view as a well- balanced and socially acceptable individual.
His notion is that "through mutilation, you are taught to endure pain, through exposure and want you are taught to endure hardship and hunger; through subservience to the performers, you are taught obedience and respect for adults. You learn that you are expected to serve your elders and supply the family with the necessities of life."
Mkhondo is right in saying that initiation cannot be stopped, but bullying can be stopped, as well as the humiliation and degradation of individuals. It is inexcusable.
He's also right to say "it is time to move on", but not to sweep it under the carpet and pretend it's acceptable to create new victims of abuse - it's not.
Bob Broom
Bedfordview
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