LIMPOPO – Thousands of boys and girls are set to participate in initiation schools across the province next week.

The initiation season will commence on June 14 and continue until July 31, with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs approving 631 applications for initiation schools.

In preparation, caregivers, police officers, traditional healers and traditional surgeons gathered for a workshop in Polokwane. This proactive measure aims to prevent incidents like those of last year, where three initiates tragically died in illegal initiation schools.

MEC Basikopo Makamu emphasised the importance of regulating initiation schools.

“We received 703 applications and approved 631. Some applications, particularly for male initiations, were rejected due to jurisdiction issues. We must maintain zero tolerance for illegal initiation schools.”

Eric Chauke, the chairperson of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), confirmed the committee’s readiness to enforce the Customary Initiation Act (CIA).

“We aim to eliminate illegal initiation schools by fully implementing the Act. This is a collective effort, with support from the police and the Department of Health during the initiation period.”

Malesela Dr Scotch Mapokgo, an initiation school owner from Mosesetjane village, expressed gratitude for government’s support in practicing cultural traditions.

“The health and well-being of my initiates are paramount. I ensure they are well-fed, clean, and receive the necessary medical attention,” he said.

Mapokgo highlighted the importance of thorough health checks for initiates. “Initiates must bring a birth certificate and a clinic letter confirming their health status.

“We need to know if they are undergoing any treatment. Community cooperation is crucial for a smooth initiation process. Having a doctor on standby to address any health issues promptly will help prevent fatalities,” he added.

According to Section 2 (1) of the Northern Province Circumcision School Act No. 6 of 1996:

· No person shall hold an initiation school without a valid permit issued to
· him/her;
· No traditional surgeon or any other person is allowed to perform rituals in an initiation school without a certificate of fitness issued for that purpose by a registered medical practitioner authorized by the Premier or authorized officer to do so in terms of Section 3 (1) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003;
· No person below the age of twelve can be admitted to an initiation school in terms of Section 7(1) of the Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003; and
· No person is allowed to abduct another for the purpose of taking the abducted person to an initiation school in terms of Section 9(1) of the Initiation School Regulations of 2003.