The Working Committee on Initiation Schools in the Province confirms that the 28 February 2013 (today) is the official closing date of submission for the license application to operate an Initiation School for the 2013 season.
The number of applications received to date is 167, categorised as follows:
- Sekhukhune 61
- Capricorn 51
- Mopani 37
- Vhembe 18
- Waterberg 0
Local Working Committees in all districts were established to go through all applications in their districts and recommend to the department; depending on whether they meet tradition and custom requirements.
Limpopo is a province that comprises a number of different tribes that are characterised by different cultures and beliefs, hence the practice. The province is known for hosting these initiation schools which are part of our cultural practices and are regarded as cultural educational institutions where initiates are taught about customary values and conduct. The practice is protected by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2 of the Constitution) which guarantees cultural, religious and linguistic rights.
The MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr NC Motsepe has cautioned Traditional Leaders to ensure that initiation schools are not opened solely for economic reasons, wherein initiates are charged exorbitant fees. The MEC encourages the participants to go to legitimate schools and warned that Law Enforcement Agency will give zero tolerance to lawbreakers in this regard.
For more info contact:
Hosi Chauke SE
Cell: 083 560 3879
Kgosi SSS Sekororo
Cell: 076 862 2102
