Mourning rituals begin immediately after a family member's passing is confirmed. The primary meaning of the word ukuzila, to mourn, is to abstain. Following the death of the head of the household or a traditional leader, various restrictions apply to dress code, diet and routine daily activities, such as the performance of chores. In the case of an elder or a traditional leader, villagers must for a stated period abstain from all chores and festivities. The commissioner for culture, religion and languages commission Nomalanga Tyamzashe speaks to Mpho Letsholonyane on POWER Lunch about this age-old custom.