Launch of the National Initiation Oversight Committtee (NIOC) Awareness Campaign on the Customary Initiation Act
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Ms Thembi Nkadimeng and Deputy Minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe as well as the National Chairperson of National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC), Ikosi VW Mahlangu will launch the NIOC Customary Initiation Act awareness campaign under the theme “Preserving lives, Promoting customs”.
Customary initiation is a deeply rooted cultural practice in South Africa, representing a significant rite of passage signalling a transition to adulthood. It is, therefore, essential that this tradition is carried out with utmost care, respect, and adherence to the law, ensuring the safety and well-being of all initiates.
The primary objective of this campaign is to promote awareness, education, and compliance with the Customary Initiation Act, which was officially enacted into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National and Provincial Initiation Oversight Committees, government departments, traditional leaders, and various stakeholders. The main purpose of the Act is to protect lives and prevent all forms of abuse that initiates may be subjected to because of unacceptable initiation practices. The Act also regulate initiation by providing for acceptable norms and standards.
Minister Nkadimeng, Deputy Minister Burns-Ncamashe as well as the National Chairperson of the NIOC, Ikosi VW Mahlangu, will lead a media briefing that aims to create awareness about the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act. Also in attendance, at the briefing, will be the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), kgosi Thabo Seatlholo and the Deputy Chairperson of NIOC as well as the Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs).
Details of the media briefing are as follows:
Date: Friday, 23 June 2023
Time: 10:00
Venue: GCIS, Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
Enquiries:
Tsekiso Machike: 078 237 3900 or
Legadima Leso: 066 479 9904
