SEDIBENG – As the year draws to a close, the Sedibeng Initiation Traditional Surgeons (SITS) and Sedibeng District Municipality as the custodians of initiation are diligently preparing for the upcoming summer initiation season set to commence in December.
The initiation watchdog and the municipality is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and smooth process.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the Chairperson of SITS, Solomon ‘Spinaar’ Mofokeng, shed light on the extensive preparations being made to ensure the safety and success of this year’s initiation season.
Mofokeng acknowledged that although the initiation watchdog faced some minor issues during the previous December intake, they are now focused on aligning and implementing rigorous procedures to prevent any recurrence of problems.
“We are preparing for the summer intake in December and have already begun accepting applications from initiation chiefs who wish to participate this year. Our primary focus is on resolving any land allocation issues for the erection of initiation camps, a challenge we encountered last year,” Mofokeng explained.
To address these issues, Mofokeng emphasized the need to ensure proper land allocation before initiating the screening process for prospective initiation chiefs.
“We want to ensure that the allocated locations are suitable for the initiation process and that the safety of initiates is our top priority,” he said.
The application process for initiation chiefs is set to close on October 31st, allowing sufficient time for the subsequent stages of preparation.
Mofokeng revealed that three specific mountains have been earmarked for the camps, and they have already received applications from 36 male initiators and 30 female initiators who are eager to participate in this term’s initiation.
The Sedibeng Initiation Traditional Surgeons have a critical role in preserving and upholding the rich cultural heritage of initiation in the region while ensuring the safety and well-being of the participants.
With the proactive measures and preparations undertaken by SITS, it is evident that they are committed to a successful and safe summer initiation season in December.
