mophato

plural mephato

1. BotswanaSouth AfricaIn Tswana culture, people in the same age group considered as a "regiment".
2. A lodge used for rituals in parts of Africa.

   Livingstone records that since Mamochisane was a woman and hence could not enter the mophato with men, Sibitwane arranged that Mpepe (his nephew) should act on behalf […]

   2010, Mutumba Mainga Bull, Bulozi under the Luyana Kings, page 72

   1 more example

   During the initiation process for boys (lebollo), they leave home for three to eight months and reside at the mophato (which is constructed in a secluded spot for the purpose of housing the initiates during this process), […]

   2013, Scott Rosenberg, Richard F. Weisfelder, Historical Dictionary of Lesotho, page 187