Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Obed Bapela embarked on a monitoring visit to Eastern Cape Province from 9 to 10 July 2015. He visited areas that have high death rates of initiates to personally assess the extent of the high number of deaths.
Today, Deputy Minister Bapela visited Lusikisiki and surrounding areas as part of his continued monitoring and engagement with stakeholders. Deputy Minister Bapela also paid a courtesy call to the home of Cinga Maphetshana, a 17 year old boy who was in Grade 10 and has died at an illegal initiation school from dehydration and assault wounds.
Bapela also expressed with sadness the ill-treatment of initiates at illegal initiation schools and extended condolences to the families of the deceased initiates. To date, the death rate of initiates across the country is 25.
The Eastern Cape has reported 22 deaths; Limpopo recorded two deaths and Mpumalanga reported one death.
"The increase of illegal initiation schools by criminals whose interests is only making money is making a mockery of our cultural heritage. We are determined to ensure that such illegal schools are closed. To date the number of illegal school closed down across the country is approximately 400”, said Bapela.
Government encourages all citizens to report the illegal initiation schools by contacting:
Kgosi Mahlangu (Deputy Chairperson of National House of Traditional Leaders)
Cell: 071 461 0475
Abram Sithole
Cell: 071 600 7917 (National Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs)
Jacob Mashishi
Cell: 072 025 4607 (Eastern Cape CoGTA)
Mamnkeli Ngam
Cell: 071 685 7981
Enquiries:
Sifiso Ngcobo
Cell: 071 421 9592
