House of Traditional Leaders regrets the 2019 Koma season

The Provincial House of Traditional Leaders regrets the unfortunate incidents that tarnished the 2019 initiation schools programme. This amid investigation into the deaths of three initiates and court interdicts attempting to stop illegal operators of initiation schools from doing so.
Chairperson of the house, Malesela Dikgale described the season as a difficult one. “We encountered numerous challenges this season. Compliance was a big problem. Many illegally operated schools were run in various parts of the province. We had go to court to stop the schools. We are disappointed that we have people who continue with these illegal practices despite us advising them not to do so.
“The death of the three initiates at schools in Mopani, Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts was a painful experience. There were also incidents of initiates forced by members of the community to attend schools and we don’t advocate that. Underage initiates at various schools was a problem. We intend having seminars next year to find ways on how to deal with such challenges,” Dikgale said.
The programme commenced on 15 June and about 20 000 young men that enrolled for this year’s programme have already started returning to their homes and the season will close on Saturday.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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