The North West House of Traditional Leaders has suspended all initiation schools and related activities until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, which led to President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring a 21-day national lock down, the North West House of Traditional Leaders has taken a decision to suspend all initiation schools and related activities, until further notice,” it said in a statement on Sunday.
Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Moshe Mabe, said the decision was taken to avoid putting the lives of the initiates and that of the entire community at risk.
“It is common knowledge that the country is battling with the outbreak of COVID-19, which continues to spread at an alarming rate. It was against this background that we requested the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs to impose a suspension on the start of initiation schools for the upcoming winter season.
“We believe that such a measure will go a long way in curbing the spread of the virus”, he said.
As of 28 March, the country had recorded a total of 1 187 confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and one death. - SAnews.gov.za
