The Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, honorable Obed Bapela visited the Eastern Cape Province from 5 to 6 July 2016, as part of the Winter Initiation Season monitoring outreach programme. The visit gave Deputy Minister an opportunity to see firsthand and expose the extent of the damages caused by criminals who abuse this sacred and valued cultural practice.
The Deputy Minister visited ST Barnabas Hospital in Libode and Canzibe Hospital at Engqeleni where some rescued initiates are being treated. These rescued initiates sustained various degrees of injuries as a results of botched circumcision. Some initiates also had a number of serious challenges – others are assaulted, others are dehydrated, whilst others were not screened before going to initiation schools and there was generally lack of proper after care.
The Deputy Minister was also informed by the Traditional Leaders in the Eastern Cape that syndicate leader popularly known as Mchayina was arrested by the police but released due to lack of evidence as families refuse to come forward or even work with the police to bring this perpetrators to book.
“The modus of operandi of this cruel heartless criminals who run illegal initiation schools is to coerce and kidnap children as a money making scheme. This syndicates have no respect have no respect for our culture and the life of black South Africans”, said Deputy Minister Bapela.
We are saddened that young men still continue to die even with increased efforts by government to sensitise communities about the need to ensure that before they release their children to attend initiation schools, all key processes are followed as outlined by the department. “We are saddened by the senseless increase of young men who lose their precious lives whilst undergoing this important cultural practice. We have currently lost 22 precious young lives since the beginning of the winter initiation season and the Eastern Cape remains our main concern”, said DM Bapela.
The national figure is as follows:
- Eastern Cape fifteen (16);
- Limpopo two (2);
- North West one (1)
- Mpumalanga two (2);
- Gauteng (1).
The Deputy Minister indicted that Parliament will before the end of the year pass the Law to criminalize operations of illegal schools and this will carry a minimum sentence of not more than 5 years. This law will send a strong message and ensure that these cruel heartless criminals and syndicates to go to jail for a long time.
The Deputy Minister also visited one family whose son died because of serve dehydration because he was not allowed drink water. Once again the Deputy Minister lamented this myth and urged parents to ensure that their children drink lots of water ahead of and during initiation.
Deputy Minister continues to urge communities to report illegal initiations schools through this hotline number - 0800 111 166 or #InitiationDTA.
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
Cell: 083 378 9495
