Over 100 Initiates Rescued: North West CoGTA Cracks Down on Illegal Initiation Schools
By Karabo Marifi
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has successfully shut down 17 illegal initiation schools across the province, rescuing over 100 young initiates. This operation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC).
Extensive Oversight and Compliance
According to a statement from the provincial department, the closure of these illegal initiation schools follows extensive oversight visits by the PICC. These visits commenced at the beginning of the 2024 winter initiation season and were conducted to curb the proliferation of illegal initiation schools as mandated by Section 15 of the Customary Initiation Act No 2 of 2021 (CIA).
The PICC’s oversight activities focused on ensuring adherence to the CIA, particularly Sections 20, 21, 23, and 24, which govern the qualifications and credentials of initiation school practitioners, principals, caretakers, and traditional surgeons. Additionally, the committee conducted thorough inspections of the facilities and resources, ensuring they met the minimum standards outlined in Section 30 of the CIA.
Ensuring Health and Safety
These operations have had a significant impact on the safety and health of young initiates. According to the department, cases have been opened at various police stations, and several school principals have been arrested.
“The PICC has ensured the health and safety of numerous young initiates by intervening at these illegal initiation schools,” the department stated.
Addressing Root Causes
PICC Chairperson Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlho Gasebone expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of non-compliance among initiation school principals, resulting in the establishment of illegal schools and the tragic deaths of two initiates. Kgosi Gasebone attributed the proliferation of illegal initiations to individual greed and the exploitation of parents of initiates.
“During our capacity-building session in April 2024, the PICC made extensive efforts to engage with school principals across the province about the new customary initiation law and the importance of compliance prior to establishing any initiation school,” he said. “This was aimed at preventing the emergence of illegal initiation schools.”
Continuous Efforts and Recent Incidents
The aggressive stance of the PICC has extended beyond mere arrests. Kgosi Gasebone also condemned the recent attack on PICC Deputy Chairperson Andries Stemmer’s son by those operating illegal initiation schools. This attack followed a community tip-off about illegal initiation activities in Lichtenburg and Coligny, where 13 initiates were found.
Initiates were rescued from various locations, including Moretele, Motla, Makapanstad, Kromkuil, Klipgat, Kgabalatsane, Hebron, Letlhabile, Tigane, Goedgevonden, Mahikeng, Mareetsane, Coligny, Boikhutso, Makouspan, and Madibogo. They were subsequently taken to neighbouring clinics and hospitals for further medical check-ups and assistance.
Commitment to Legal Adherence
Kgosi Gasebone has reiterated that no initiation school will be permitted to operate without adhering to the requirements of the CIA. This includes mandatory medical check-ups for initiates and obtaining parental consent.
“What is happening is totally unacceptable. It is illegal and shows no regard for life. We appeal to communities to help the department and PICC stop these criminals who abduct schoolboys and initiate them without the knowledge and consent of their parents. The two deaths could have been avoidable,” said Gasebone.
A Call for Community Support
The Chairperson concluded by encouraging those who have been adhering to the Customary Initiation Act to continue preserving this important tradition.
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