PALMSPRINGS – And a group of men and women dedicated to save the age-old tradition are preparing to enforce and preserve the respect which culture used to have.
An organization called Tau Diarora is making sure that proper channels should be followed when registering initiation schools and accepting initiates and that no mushrooming illegal initiation schools are at play.
The organization with about 100 individuals who work tirelessly in making sure that culture is saved, says no one is above the law.
Sedibeng Ster joined the meeting of this initiation governing body over the weekend.
During the meeting, plans on the forthcoming intake were laid out and plans to keep community safe strategized.
Speaking on the sidelines, Founder Pheello “Fire” Mollo explained how the organization was formed.
“Our organization was formed in 1995 by me and a few friends. We formed this organization after we realized that many of the groups of initiates were harassing people in the community, including women. My late sister was one of the women who were abused by initiates then we decided to start an organization that will protect women from thuggery conducts by initiates,” he said.
“Our organization does not only defend women, but we the entire community. Ours is to restore respect and discipline from men who come from the mountains. Many initiates are out of control and are bullies,” he said.
Mollo said they are working with several other organization in making sure that saved initiates are rehabilitated and welcomed back into the community.
“We have a soccer teams, karate and pool. We also work with different organization that deal with things like drugs. We are making sure that our culture remains respected as it was back in the day. We won’t leave no stone unturned in restoring order this season moving forward,” he said.
Tau Diarora works with a couple of schools in Sebokeng to help maintain the respect culture aims to preserve.
Female initiation chief Annah Levumbe said they are happy with the organization in making sure that respect, peace and order will be enforced.
“Culture was losing respect and an organization such as Tau Diarora will give back our culture the respect and order it deserves,” she said.
