Depts aims for death-free season as initiation schools open for 2019

LIMPOPO – The newly appointed MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu says the province aims for another zero death rate as initiation schools across the province opened on Friday.

He spoke during an Initiation School Season Readiness media briefing, held in Polokwane last Tuesday.

Initiates across the province will graduate on 14 July.

Although it is an opportunity for many young men to enter manhood, authorities will be on high alert to monitor the age restriction this year, he said.

Makamu told CV that no children under the age of 12 years will be admitted at any of the initiation schools.

He warned parents to steer cleer of illegal initiation schools as these can easily cost them their children’s lives.

“Many lives are lost in other provinces due to bogus initiation schools.

“We will ensure that all illegal initiation schools are prohibited from operating and are reported to the police.

“We therefore call upon parents to authenticate the legitimacy of initiation schools they intend to send their children with their respective traditional authorities,” he says.

A total of 393 applications were received to run initiation schools.

“Out of all the applications, 238 are for male initiation schools and the remaining applications are for female initiation schools,” he says.

He says there will be zero tolerance shown to those who operate initiation schools without the necessary permits.

The Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Malesela Dikgale, said 50 379 initiates enrolled last year, with no deaths reported.

Meanwhile, the MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said all initiates will be screened and issued with health certificates.

“Our Emergency Medical Services will be on standby for any case or complication,” says Ramathuba.
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