On Friday 6 January, 30 Ikageng initiates graduated from the initiation school after spending six weeks in the bush to undergo the rite of passage and learn valuable lessons in the Sotho culture.

Kalusha Stuurman and Frans Olifant who co-own the school says the boys were taught to respect their parents and be responsible men. They also learnt the importance of their cultural history, their heritage, praise singing and to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner within the community.

Kalusha says those who were in school were also urged to take their education seriously after completing the ceremony. Frans added that when they go back to their normal lives they should respect their teachers.

Despite the negativity surrounding initiation school especially with all the fatalities in the schools countrywide, Kalusha says they involved the police who conducted regular inspections to ensure that the boys were still safe. Another important precaution was the requirement that the boys had to undergo medical assessments at the clinic to ensure that they were medically fit before being welcomed to the school. ‘The doctors checked for any underlying ailments which could put them at risk when taking part in the rituals. We also had to make sure these boys had permission from their parents so they had to bring letters signed by their doctors and parents before we signed the consent form.

‘We also want to thank God for helping us complete these rituals,’ says Frans.

Kalusha says the school was blessed to have an elder called Ten-Ten who assisted them with the rituals and was one of the reasons that there were no fatalities.

He says they were strict and did not let the boys bring bags to the school. All they were allowed were a blanket and a knobkerrie.

‘We are grateful for the parents’ support and we ensured that they went back home safely.’

The two school leaders could not divulge much about what happened during the initiation process because of the secrecy of the ceremony.

After the initiation, the initiates were led to Ext. 11 in song, where cows were slaughtered and a fitting ceremony was held to celebrate their coming of age.

Gobusamang Mere, the member of the NW premier’s office’s task team in traditional affairs is proud of the two school leaders whom, he says, complied with the requirements of the initiation schools. We are happy that no lives were lost and they did everything that we asked for. Gobusamang says their team has managed to close down 97 illegal initiation schools in the province. ‘We worked around the clock during the festive season to ensure that everything was done accordingly. Sadly, though, one person did lose his life at one of the initiation schools,’ he said.