Illegal initiation schools mushroom in Sedibeng
The PICC sends out a stern warning to school principals and Initiation schools that commencement of initiation before or beyond school holidays will be unlawful.
SEDIBENG – Illegal initiation schools have mushroomed all Sedibeng since the start of this summer intake.
This was confirmed by the Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) through a statement.
According to Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee spokesperson, Kiba Kekana the committee has received reports that there are illegal initiation schools operating in the region.
“Abductions to illegal initiation schools have also been reported in the region.
The PICC and the Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) will not be able to monitor illegal initiation schools and ensure the safety of children as they operate in an underground fashion,” he said.
Kekana said “Almost every year children lose their lives in illegal initiation schools. Parents are called to be extra vigilant and proactive in verifying the legitimacy of the initiation schools they send the children to. Schools operating without permits from the PICC are illegal and are in direct contradiction of the prescripts of the Customary Initiation Act, 21(CIA) No 2 of 2021.”
“The Media statements released on the 21 August and 12 November 2023 respectively, clearly communicate the 2023 summer initiation season dates of operation as 14 December 2023 – 16 January 2024 and this is in accordance with section 27 (1) of the CIA,” he said.
“The PICC therefore sends out a stern warning to school principals and Initiation schools that: Commencement of initiation before or beyond school holidays will be unlawful. Transgressors will be found guilty of this offence will be liable upon conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or both a fine and such imprisonment as per provision of section 33(4) of the Customary Initiation Act,” said Kekana.
Any suspicion of initiation schools and school principals believed to be non-compliant and operating under illegal conditions can be reported to the nearest SAPS and the PICC secretariat desk: Mr. Lebohang Bogopane at 0795240736 lebohang.Bogopane@gauteng.gov.za or Mr. Warren Nemaenzhe at 079 696 0286 Warren.Nemaenzhe@gauteng.gov.za.
