Over 600 Limpopo Initiation Schools approved.
Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has approved 631 initiation schools.
The Limpopo initiation schools season will commence on 14 June and will close on 13 July 2024.
CoGHSTA says it has put in tighter measures through the establishment of a Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) in terms of the Customary Initiation Act 02 of 2021.
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The PICC will oversee the conduct of Senior Traditional Leaders, Principals, Surgeons, Care-givers and cooperation of parents to ensure that there are no deaths and illegal schools operating within the province.
The PICC received 703 applications this year, approving 631 (359 males and 272 females) out of them.
Speaking at the Pre-Initiation Workshop CoGHSTA MEC, Basikopo Makamu said that Initiation schools hold a revered place in cultural heritage and serve as an essential rite of passage for youth.
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“I am proud to share that the Limpopo Provincial Government is fully prepared to safeguard the health, safety and cultural integrity of the initiation process,” he said.
Chairperson of the PICC, Hosi Shitlhamgoma Chauke pleaded with parents/guardians not to enrol children under the age of 12 years in initiation schools as this may result in fatalities as seen in previous years.
Limpopo House of Traditional Affairs call upon parents to verify the legitimacy of Initiation Schools they intend to send their children with their respective Traditional Authorities.