The Deputy Minister for Traditional Affairs Mr. Obed Bapela will be attending the funeral service of the 6 year old boy who died from the illegal initiation school in Mpumalanga.
The Deputy Minister said, “I am attending the funeral service to highlight the abuse of the initiation by people who seek to benefit financially from an age old and respected tradition. Communities must work together with the police and report such cases in order to ensure that together we clamp down on these rouge schools. "
The Deputy Minister also called for the nation to adopt a "Zero Tolerance of Initiates Fatalities".
The Deputy Minister will be accompanied Mpumalanga MEC for Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ms Refilwe Mtshweni, and the Ingoma Forum. The forum consists of traditional leaders, Mpumalanga Departments of Traditional Affairs, Department of Social Development, Police and the local municipality.
As part of raising awareness and honouring the life of the young boy the department in consultation with the family will in the near future erect a Memorial Stone.
The Department will continue to ensure that the practice of culture is respected and working together to ensure zero deaths.
Details of the visit are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2014
Time: 07h00
Venue: Kwabhokweni at Malekutu (next to Malekutu Primary)
Enquiries:
Sifiso Ngcobo
Cell: 071 421 9592
