MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mandla Msibi urged traditional leaders, community structures and parents to work together to prevent the mushroom of illegal initiation schools in Mpumalanga.
“The Ingoma Act of 2011 gazetted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government regulates the practice of initiation schools. In terms of the Act, initiation schools are those that have been granted permission by traditional leaders in their area of jurisdiction. So we appeal to parents to verify first whether the initiation schools in their area are legal, before allowing their children to attend Ingoma,” said Msibi.
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He warned communities in Mpumalanga to be vigilant against illegal initiation schools because they contribute to fatalities during the practice. Msibi sent a stern warning to all those who might contravene the Ingoma Act about possible arrests and prosecution.
“Working with SAPS, we will be merciless against those who operate illegal schools. We will ensure that the owners are given harsh sentences as a deterrent against fatalities,” Msibi warned.
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He adds that Cogta is working closely with the Department of Health, law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders through the Ingoma Forum to prevent fatalities.
He also urged traditional leaders to take lead in the Ingoma practice as custodians.
