Factors Responsible for the Activities of the Transitional Rites of Passage on Youth’s Morality in South Africa

In South Africa, the transitional rites of passage on the morality of the youth have been brought to the fore by ongoing transitional rites depicted by weekend social activities with the practice of substance use and abuse among the youths at various recreational spots. The transitional rites are structured under the guise of “freaks” as an evolving culture among the youths. The freak culture is a counterculture of the usual initiation schools for transitional rites of passage which instil morality among youths. This exploratory qualitative case study aimed to establish the factors responsible for the activities of the transitional rites of passage on youth’s morality. Through purposive sampling techniques, data was obtained from 11 stakeholders, spanning custodians, parents, and youths from Thulamela Local Municipality in South Africa. Analysed using thematic analysis, the findings widely showed that the factors responsible for the activities of the transitional rites are the acts of the current ongoing transitional rites effect as an inappropriate behaviour towards youth morality. This study concluded that to establish the factors responsible for the activities of the transitional rites of passage on youth’s morality, activities and practices evolved as a current socialization standard for quick maturity status. As a result of that, it will be harder to provide a complete change in this evolving culture. However, what will work is to build on the existing transitional rites of passage to moderate and appropriate the morality of the youth in Thulamela communities. This study would also benefit government departments, particularly the Department of Social Development, in designing appropriate and up-to-date transitional rites of passage policies that place priorities on the moral behaviours of the youths. Keywords: Behaviour, Morality, Transitional Rites, Youths, Social Activities, Freak Culture.