The illegal initiation school in KwaThema Extension Five worries many residents who are concerned about the safety of the initiates.
The school, which has three initiates so far, is situated in a forest next to the RDP houses in Extension Five.
Not far from the school is a dumping site where people do recycling and just next to the initiates’ hut is a path used every day by people from the other parts of the township to Extension Five and other sections of KwaThema.
Water, as one of the necessities that the initiates need during their period at the school, is nowhere to be found.
The initiates depend on water brought to them in 20lt buckets from their homes.
When asked to produce a certificate that allows him to have an initiation school, owner Zandisile Shumane (75) failed to do so.
Shumane confirmed that he opened the school in 2000 and has so far experienced no initiates’ death and complications.
Despite the fact that Shumane was attacked a few days ago by robbers who took some of his equipment while in the initiation school, he insists that parents and the community should not worry about the safety of the initiates.
“Nothing will happen to the boys as I am always with them and know how to protect them at all times,” said Shumane.
Elajah Skhosana, from the traditional leaders, said the safety of the initiates is at risk and that the place is not perfect for the school.
“I saw the boys and do not believe that there are still ignorant parents despite the deaths of initiates in many illegal initiation schools,” said a disappointed Skhosana.
Ward councillor Clr Wilson Busakwe said he was not aware of the school until Tuesday morning when Skhosana informed him of it.
He said he is also worried about the well-being of the initiates as the school is not far from the residential area.
“The boys might be exposed to the bad spirits that may affect them as many traditional healers go to that forest to dig for some of their traditional medicines and the fact that some people use the same forest to perform their rituals,” said Busakwe.
He adds it is his wish that in a meeting with the traditional leaders, department of health, social workers and all the parties concerned, they will come to a conclusion that the school be shut down.
Speaking on behalf of KwaThema police Captain Mandla Phori confirmed the existence of the school after the police visited the school on Wednesday.
He said at this stage there is nothing that they can do except investigate the matter.
