Pretoria- Young boys who will be at initiation schools in Limpopo next month will not miss out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer action as their parents will be allowed to bring in television sets.
The province's Deputy Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Khosi Vho-Vusani Netshimbupfe, said the initiates parents or guardians will be allowed to bring television sets to the initiation schools so that the boys don't miss a single goal of the soccer spectacular.
"We don't want the upcoming global event to disturb our traditional practice, remember this is a once-off lifetime opportunity, therefore, we will allow parents to bring television sets at the initiation schools so that the boys don't miss out," he said.
As initiation schools are normally set up in the bushes where there is no electricity, Netshimbupfe said people will either use generators, solar or other sources of energy.
He said the provincial Initiation Task Team will meet soon to discuss the matter further.
Netshimbupfe reiterated that traditional surgeons will not be allowed to circumcise boys under the age of 12 in an effort to avoid unnecessary deaths.
"We want to make it clear that one death is one too many. We will act harsh against those who will attempt to break the law," he said.
In Limpopo, initiation schools normally open a week before schools close for the winter holiday.
In 2009, the House of Traditional Leaders received and approved 325 applications to open initiation schools across the province.
Last year, six boys died at one of the province's legal initiation schools.
Five of the initiates who died from an extreme case of diarrhoea, were from the Capricorn District, while the other was from the Vhembe District. He was admitted to a local hospital for vomiting.
A further 45 more initiates were admitted to the Mankweng, Seshego and Lebowakgomo Hospitals for dehydration.
