Initiation schools mushrooming
Kiba Kekana, the spokesperson for the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee, affirmed that reports have surfaced concerning the existence of illegal initiation schools in the region.
SEDIBENG – Illegal initiation schools have proliferated across Sedibeng since the commencement of the summer intake. This revelation came from the Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) in an official statement.
Kiba Kekana, the spokesperson for the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee, affirmed that reports have surfaced concerning the existence of illegal initiation schools in the region.
“We have received reports of abductions to these illegal initiation schools in the area.
Unfortunately, these underground operations make it challenging for the PICC and the Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to monitor and ensure the safety for children, “Kekana stated.
Kekana highlighted the recurrent tragedy of children losing their lives in the illegal initiation schools almost every year.
He urged parents to exercise extra vigilance and verify the legitimacy of the initiation schools they entrust their children to. Schools operating without permits from the PICC are considered illegal and directly contradict the stipulations of the Customary Initiation Act, 21(CIA) No 2 of 2021. Furthermore, Kekana emphasised that the initiation season dates for 2023, communicated through media statements on August 21 and November 12, are set for December 14, 2023 to January 16, 2024, aligning with section 27 (1) of the CIA.
Issuing a stern warning, Kekana addressed school principals and initiation schools, cautioning that commencing initiation before or after the stipulated school holidays would be deemed unlawful. Transgressors, upon conviction, could face a fine or imprisonment up to three years, or both, as per section 33(4) of the Customary Initiation Act.
Any suspicion or belief regarding noncompliant initiation schools or school principals operating illegally can be reported to the nearest SAPS or the PICC secretariat desk, contacting Mr. Lebohang Bogopane at 079 524 0736 or lebohang.Bogopane@ gauteng.gov.za, or Mr. Warren Nemaenzhe at 079 696 0286 or Warren.Nemaenzhe@ gauteng.gov.za.
