Limpopo: No initiation schools in 2021

LIMPOPO – A traditional surgeon, Maine Mashudu Tshikororo says traditional surgeons are the custodians of the culture and traditions, so they will not be tempted to risk for the lives of young boys by staging circumcision schools this season.

“We understand the negative impact the Corona Virus has brought to the nation and as traditional surgeons, we cannot risk and put the lives of the young people by staging circumcision schools. There can be many deaths of the young people in our schools, if we do not adhere to and comply with the regulations of Covid-19,” he said.

Tshikororo, who has 25 years of service in staging and conducting safe circumcision schools around the Vhembe region, urged other traditional surgeons in the province to abide by the regulations of Covid-19 and wait for life to return to normal first.

He said he has inherited traditional work as Maine was u imisa mirundu (traditional surgeon) from his forefathers and his father was also a well-known traditional surgeon and have good reputation of practicing safe circumcision.

Maine Tshikororo spoke shortly after the Department of Traditional Affairs (CoGSTA) recently issued a statement to suspend the winter initiation season.

“Following the recent extension declaration of the state of disaster in the mid-March this year due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders has resolved to suspend the launch of the initiation school for winter season until further notice. The decision is informed by the threats of the virus and to save the lives of initiates,” said Kgoshi Malesela Dikgale, the Chairperson of Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders.

He said he could confirm that, as traditional leaders in the province, they are ready to sit with the relevant stakeholders, especially traditional leaders and surgeons, as another way of practicing safe circumcision and prioritising the health of initiates.

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