Illegal initiation schools and the deaths, botched circumcisions, injuries and the abduction of boys that go with them, continue to be a contentious issue in society. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) reports that close to 600 initiates have died in South African initiation schools since 2016.
Despite these alarming statistics, however, cultural and traditional practices and the young boys’ rite of passage continue to override the negativity surrounding the schools. On 28 July, 12 initiates in Ikageng graduated from the Bakoena Traditional School.
Gobusamang Mere, the member of the NW task team for arts, culture and traditional affairs, admits that there have been many deaths of initiates in the past. But, he says, he is happy that it has decreased drastically in the province. ‘Last year, we only had one death in Mahikeng and, this winter, only the one in Maboloka has been recorded. We are satisfied that this was not caused by negligence or assault,’ he said.
The 12 initiates who graduated two weeks ago were led out of the field after six weeks by the owner of the school, Mahlomola Mashiane.
He says everything went according to plan and the tradition and culture of the Basotho people trumped everything else.
Mashiane believes the young boys’ rite of passage into adulthood is important in society because of the lifetime teachings that come with it. ‘We teach them respect and love for their fellow community members, life’s challenges and being responsible fathers in the future.
Mere added that initiation schools are intended to build the character of the boys. ‘When they go out to the community, they should care for and protect women and children and not harm them. These vulnerable groups should feel safe around them.’
A traditional healer at the school, Khethisa Mopeli says he is happy that he was able to protect the boys while they underwent the rituals. ‘There were untrue rumours about a child who passed away in the school while we were in the field.
These stories were meant to derail us and cast a spell on the school. We are happy that all 12 boys came out safely. We worked well with their parents and there were no other challenges,’ he said.
After the six weeks in the field, the initiates were led to Ext. 11 by old initiates where they continued with the celebrations and feast.
The success of this initiation in Ikageng comes after another one on 6 January where 30 Ikageng initiates graduated after spending the same amount of time in the bush to learn more about the Sotho culture. Sadly, the owner of that school, Kalusha Stuurman was murdered a few months later.
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