LIMPOPO – The approval process for initiation schools in Limpopo is stirring controversy, with several individuals reportedly receiving permission to operate such schools despite not being recognised by local traditional authorities.

The situation has raised concerns about possible tensions between provincial government approvals and customary leadership structures, with some traditional leaders warning that the matter could disrupt the smooth running of initiation schools during the upcoming winter initiation season.

Traditional leaders ‘shocked’ to see approvals

The Association of Traditional Leaders (ATL) has accused Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu, of allegedly approving initiation schools in several areas around Giyani without consulting the traditional leaders who have authority in those areas.

During a recent meeting held at the Giyani Information Centre, members of the organisation strongly condemned the approval of initiation schools in:

• Khaxani village (under Dzumeri Traditional Authority)
• Gawula village (under Khakhala Traditional Authority)

According to the ATL, both traditional councils were surprised to learn that initiation schools had been approved in their areas despite not submitting any applications or recommendations for such schools.

“Both Hosi Dzumeri and Hosi Khakhala did not apply for initiation schools to be held within their territorial areas, yet initiation schools have been approved there without their consent,” explained Filipi Baloyi, speaking on behalf of ATL.

Traditional leaders must play central role, says ATL

Baloyi said the organisation believes that traditional leaders should play a central role in the approval and monitoring of initiation schools within their respective communities.

He argued that excluding them undermines customary governance structures and could create confusion within communities.

“As ATL, we support our members and collectively condemn the approval of these initiation schools. We are therefore calling on the government to reverse its decision to grant them permission to operate,” he said.

The organisation further warned that failure to properly consult traditional authorities on matters relating to initiation schools could lead to disputes and weaken cooperation between the government and traditional leadership structures in the province.

Department hits back

However, the department said it does not have control over decisions related to the approval of initiation schools.

“The ATL is aware that issues of initiation do not fall within the absolute mandate of the MEC. Instead, they fall under the scope of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), an independent structure over which the MEC has no control,” explained department spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi.

‘Vindictive campaign’?

“Thus, the ATL’s persistent targeting of the MEC has increasingly raised concerns that their actions may be driven by a vindictive campaign rather than substantive issues,” she continued, adding that the ATL was well aware that the MEC does not control matters relating to initiation schools.

“In recent weeks, the ATL submitted documents to the chairperson of the PICC, a move that demonstrates their appreciation of the PICC’s mandate and operational scope,” she said, emphasising that this indicated the ATL was aware that the MEC was not in control.