Seventeen illegal initiation schools shut down by authorities
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs shut down 17 illegal initiation schools across the province.
In a significant crackdown, the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) shut down 17 illegal initiation schools across the province, rescuing over 100 initiates.
Furthermore, this operation, executed with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), aimed to curb the proliferation of unauthorised initiation practices that have endangered lives.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS ENSURE COMPLIANCE IN INITIATION SCHOOLS
The initiative to close these illegal schools followed comprehensive oversight visits by the PICC, aligning with Section 15 of the Customary Initiation Act No 2 of 2021 (CIA). Additionally, the committee meticulously monitored compliance with Sections 20, 21, 23, and 24 of the CIA, scrutinising the qualifications and credentials of initiation school practitioners, principals, caretakers, and traditional surgeons.
Furthermore, they also conducted thorough inspections of the facilities and resources to ensure they met the minimum standards stipulated in Section 30 of the CIA. Also, these measures have significantly enhanced the safety and health of numerous young initiates, who were subsequently taken to nearby clinics and hospitals for further medical check-ups and assistance.
“The shutting down of these illegal initiation schools is a crucial step in safeguarding our youth,” a provincial department spokesperson stated.
“Our collaborative efforts with SAPS and PICC have been instrumental in this endeavour.”
ARRESTS AND LEGAL ACTION
The PICC’s rigorous enforcement led to the arrest of several school principals who were operating these illegal schools. Cases have been opened at various police stations, and the arrested individuals will face prosecution. Moreover, PICC Chairperson Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlho Gasebone expressed deep concern over the non-compliance of initiation school principals, attributing the rise of illegal schools to monetary greed. Also, he emphasised the importance of adhering to the CIA, which mandates medical check-ups for initiates and requires parental consent.
“During our capacity building session in April 2024, we engaged school principals across the province about the new customary initiation law,” Gasebone said.
“We are pleased that those who flouted the law have been arrested and will face justice. We will persist in our efforts with the police to eliminate these illegal practices.”
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND CONTINUED EFFORTS
Gasebone doomed the recent attack on PICC Deputy Chairperson Andries Stemmer’s son by individuals running illegal initiation schools. This incident followed a community tip-off about unauthorised schools in Lichtenburg and Coligny, where 13 initiates were discovered. Additional rescues occurred in Moretele, Motla, Makapanstad, Kromkuil, Klipgat, Kgabalatsane, Hebron, Letlhabile, Tigane, Goedgevonden, Mahikeng, Mareetsane, Boikhutso, Makouspan, and Madibogo.
Additionally, Gasebone urged communities to support CoGTA and the PICC in eradicating these unlawful initiation schools. “What is happening is unacceptable. It is illegal and shows no regard for life. We appeal to communities to help stop these criminals who abduct schoolboys and initiate them without their parents’ consent. The two recent deaths could have been avoided.”
Furthermore, He also encouraged those adhering to the Customary Initiation Act to continue preserving this important tradition responsibly. Also, the North West Department remains committed to ensuring all initiation practices comply with legal standards, prioritising the safety and well-being of young initiates.