Pretoria – The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, has condemned the deaths of eight initiates since the start of initiation season.
He has further expressed his condolence to the families of the young boys who died.
According to the department, the Eastern Cape has reported six deaths; five in the OR Tambo District and one in the Chris Hani District. The Eastern Cape Health Department is compiling a forensic report to determine the details around the deaths.
Limpopo has recorded one death, while Mpumalanga reported one death as a result of fighting outside an initiation school.
"I will not rest and sit while children are dying mainly as a result of illegal schools operating in these areas,” said the Deputy Minister.
The department said some illegal schools kidnap the youths and forcefully initiate them without consideration of medical pre-screening and other safety measures. The department will ensure the perpetrators of illegal schools are apprehended.
Deputy Minister Bapela commended those traditional leaders who were working with the police and government departments to close about five illegal schools in North West, one in Limpopo and two in the Eastern Cape.
A total of 21 illegal schools have been closed in Gauteng and 70 initiates have been rescued.
The Deputy Minister called on all stakeholders to play their part and ensure the safety of the initiates and protecting cultural practices by reporting illegal initiation schools to the nearest police station.
Members of the public can report illegal initiation schools to the Department of Traditional Affairs’ Abram Sithole on 071 600 7917 or Jacob Mashishi on 072 025 4607 or The National House of Traditional Leaders’ Kgosi Mahlangu on 071 461 0475. – SAnews.gov.za
