Limpopo is ready for 2014 initiation schools season
The Limpopo initiation schools are scheduled to commence on 20 June and end on 18 July 2014. The closing date for submission of applications to conduct initiation schools for the year 2014 is 28 February 2014. The House of Traditional leaders will conduct a workshop for all Senior Traditional Leaders who qualify for initiation schools permits. The purpose of the workshop is to brief and prepare the initiation schools stakeholders on precautionary measures to be followed in order to have a smooth process during the initiation period. The workshop is scheduled for 18 March 2014.
We also call upon parents to verify the legitimacy of initiation schools they intend to send their children with their respective Traditional Authorities. There will be zero tolerance to people who want to take chances by running initiation schools without permits.
The required documents which must accompany all applications are as follows:
1. A letter from the Traditional Council of the area at which the initiation schools will take place, supporting the application;
2. A certificate of fitness of the traditional surgeon issued by a medical doctor.
3. An environmental report compiled by Environmental Practitioner for the area at which the Initiation School will take place; and
4. A copy of proclamation and/or title deed confirming authority and/or jurisdiction over the area at which the Initiation School is to be conducted;
5. An undertaking signed by senior traditional leader regarding acceptance of accountability for the initiation school.
Note:
- No person shall hold an initiation school without a valid permit issued to him/her in terms of Section 2 (1) of the Northern Province Circumcision Schools Act No. 6 of 1996.
- No traditional surgeon or any other person is allowed to perform rituals in an initiation school without a certificate of fitness issued for that purpose by a registered medical practitioner authorised by the Premier or authorised officer to do so in terms of Section 3 (1) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003.
- No traditional nurse or any other person is allowed to look after initiates in an initiation school without a certificate of attendance of training referred to in regulation 5, provided that the prohibition shall become effective on the day immediately after the conclusion of the training concerned in terms on Section 4(1) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003.
- No person below the age of twelve can be admitted to an initiation school in terms of Section 7(1) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003.
- No initiate shall be admitted to an initiation school more than five days after the commencement of the school in terms of Section 7(3) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003.
- No person is allowed to abduct another for the purpose of taking the abducted person to an initiation school in terms of Section 9(1) of Initiation Schools Regulations of 2003.
- In an effort to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives, we request parents to send their children to the initiation schools that will be approved after 28 February 2014.
I thank you.
For more information contact:
Motupa Selomo, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 717 0342/ 072 481 3617
E-mail: SelomoME@coghsta.limpopo.gov.za
