Abstract
Introduction: Traditional male initiation (TMI) is an important cultural practice in many African societies, which marks transition from boyhood to adulthood. Considerable attention has been given to the cultural dimensions of these initiations, but limited research has been conducted on how parents perceive changes in theirs in their children's behaviour post traditional initiation. Purpose: This qualitative study explored parents' perspectives on their children's behaviours after undergoing traditional male initiation. Methods: Using non-probability, snowball sampling, a sample of 13 parents of children who attended TMI, between the years 2022 and 2023 in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Although there are parents who observed positive signs of maturity, many parents observed undesirable behavioural changes in some initiates, which include: disrespect toward elders, premature sexual engagement, and substance abuse. Conclusion: These findings suggest that parents hold multifaceted views on the behavioural changes post attendance of traditional initiation, acknowledging both positive and negative behavioural shifts. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive support structures that can assist families in navigating behavioural adjustments during the post-initiation period.