The Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mr Masenyani Richard Baloyi is convening an Indaba on traditional initiation schools to engage with all stakeholders that have direct interest in the matter.
The need for an Indaba was triggered by the spate of deaths of initiates early at the beginning of the traditional initiation season and other related challenges. Traditional initiations remain a heritage with a cultural dimension that have a major significance in protecting traditions of some parts of South African Societal customs and values. Both National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leadership will be fully represented and take a lead in the summit together with provincial MECs responsible for traditional affairs from each province.
Inputs from experts on issues of Tradition and Culture will be presented during the indaba together with that of the Ministry of Health to allude on implications thereof. Stake holders from each province that have a bearing or direct interest in traditional initiations as well as other National Ministries that are in one way or another have a stake in the subject due to mandates of their portfolios will attend the Indaba.
Engagements and deliberations during the Indaba will yield a way forward that will inform policy imperatives in dealing with challenges surrounding traditional initiation schools throughout the country.
The Indaba will take place as follows:
Dates: 7 June 2013
Venue: Birchwood Hotel Conference Centre,
Time: 09h00 – 16h00
Media from all corners of the country is invited to cover the event.
For more information and request for interviews, contact:
Dr Nghamula Nkuna
Cell: 071 393 4727
