A risky kasi lifestyle "Izikhothane"

Boitumelo Chabangu -



Picture:Dumisani Dube

 An outrage to many South Africans, but a common lifestyle in the streets of Johannesburg townships.

Tuesday night became a buzz on social media when 3rd Degree documented the lives of groups of youngsters who take extreme measures to gain respect in their community.

Like any other South African, I was shocked to even discover that teenagers as young as 13 years old, come all the way from the East Rand to Soweto, just to participate.

Apparently, each group comes with their set of expensive clothes to the 'get-together' to compete with others for the "self-satisfaction" of seeing WHO IS WEALTHIER! Since the situation got tougher by the years, these youngsters are forced to tear up of even burn money.

The losing group gets spitted on with ultramel or expensive alcohol. I don't know about you but I think the Izikhothane are possessed by the demon of teen-satisfaction. Considering that they are forcing their parents to dig deep into their pockets, just to feed their hunger for respect amongst their peers.

Looking back at our celeb-ville, the likes of 'Sushi king' Kenny Kunene and "Queen of Bling" Khanyi Mbau, seem to have great influence on Izikhothane's lifestyle.

Nevertheless, Kunene said that he does not see the problem in the Izikhothane, "as long as one works hard to afford the lifestyle, and not force their parents to pay for it."

It was more disturbing to find out that the more "gold teeth" one has, the more expensive one's smile is. This is one of the many "Izikhothane's way of blinging".

It is sad though, to know that some participants who lack crucial expensive display required to maintain the lifestyle find it overwhelming and turn to suicide.

Though some parents condone the lifestyle, others are scared of losing their children, since suicide is becoming the lifestyle's trend.

This comes back to the morals that we taught at home and if whether youngsters are going to adhere to them. Question is, are the leaders of tomorrow going to be materially influenced or be expected academic representatives of South Africa?