Woman Questions Insurance Companies for Not Thinking of an Mgidi Savings Plan for Boy Moms
- A woman’s video about ideas for a policy specifically for umgidi sparked a nationwide conversation about the financial burden of traditional ceremonies
- The suggestion was shared on TikTok, proposing a comprehensive “umgidi cover,” designed for the families of sons undergoing ulwaluko
- Social media users responded with overwhelming support, and some pointed out existing similar products, while others urged the creator to patent the idea
Source: TikTok
An aunt’s creative financial proposal for a soon-to-be initiate went viral as South Africans sought ways to ease the heavy costs associated with traditional rites of passage.
The video was shared on TikTok by user @nomkhithakwanini, who questioned why major insurance players had not yet introduced a comprehensive umgidi policy.
Umgidi is the celebratory homecoming ceremony held for Xhosa initiates upon their return from the mountain, marking their transition into manhood. These events are culturally significant but expensive, often placing a massive financial strain on families. TikTok user @nomkhithakwanini outlined a specific framework for how the policy could work. She suggested a minimum entry age with a claim age of 18.
A policy tailored for tradition
To ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose, she proposed that the policy be non-redeemable before the claim age and offer no cash back. Drawing inspiration from Metropolitan’s funeral policies, she suggested a "cow benefit" to cover the livestock required for the feast. Furthermore, the cover would provide for essential logistics such as stretch tents, gas stoves, and large catering pots, items that are often rented at high costs during the celebrations.
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Source: Facebook
African Bank's Isiko cover
African Bank’s Isiko Lifestyle Offering is a culturally-grounded financial solution designed to support South Africans with the costs of traditional milestones such as Umgidi, Lobola, and cultural weddings. The plan combines tiered interest-rate savings accounts with short-term loans of up to R50,000 to help families manage ceremony expenses without monthly fees. Additionally, it features a unique marketplace of trusted vendors for catering, décor, and event planning, providing a one-stop shop that bridges modern banking with heritage needs. Source: African Bank
SA boy moms support the policy idea
The clip garnered massive engagement, with hundreds of users in full agreement with the aunt. Many mothers shared that the mgidi journey is a significant burden for families in the Eastern Cape and that such a product would provide peace of mind. Some savvy viewers pointed out that African Bank already offers a product called Isiko, which caters to cultural events, though it may not cover all aspects of the proposed 'umgidi cover. Other viewers advised @nomkhithakwanini to copyright her specific idea and implement it herself.
User @Best added:
"Thank you for this post. I’ve just learned about African Bank's Isiko."
User @Coco said:
"Especially in this country! I also think you just gave them the idea, now actually."
User @Peto suggested:
"You can also start your own, either an endowment or a Unit trust and label it as such."
User @Vuyani Samela commented:
"The problem is that it is a guaranteed payout, so it makes no business sense. With a funeral cover, you can even pay for 30 years."
User @Bonie's Laundry-box
"It’s a brilliant idea🔥."
User @Kaizer advised:
"Mamgqwashu, please copy right your idea and implement it on your own, please. "
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about imigidi
- A Xhosa family turned heads with their stunning traditional attire, imibhaco, as they celebrated a vibrant umgidi at their village.
- A sister received the same guidance and gifts as her twin brother upon his return from the mountain after undergoing ulwaluko.
- A video of an Xhosa initiate from a wealthy family returning from the bush in a helicopter sparked a massive debate about the significance of the custom and its modernisation.
Source: Briefly News
