The Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair’s MEC, Speedy Mashilo, took action to address illegal initiation schools across the province.
Government is leaving nothing to chance to ensure the safety and well-being of initiates during the winter initiation season.
Mashilo had shut-down 12 illegal initiation schools for non-compliance since the start of the winter initiation season. This follows unannounced oversight visits conducted by regional Ingoma Task Teams to inspect facilities, checking on necessary resources and adherence to minimum standards as per Section 30 of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA).
The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee’s (PICC) Chairperson, Ikosi Richard Mahlangu, said these illegal initiation schools were closed across three districts of the Province; seven in Ehlanzeni, three in Gert Sibande and two in Nkangala.
Some of these schools did not have authorized permits, lacked personal protective equipment (PPE’s) for traditional surgeons and underage initiates were forcefully dragged to their practice. “I want to confirm that we have laid criminal charges against those running these illegal initiation schools as part of our responsibility as government and leaders,” Mahlangu said.
Mashilo applauded the PICC and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for shutting down these illegal initiation schools and pressing criminal charges against the principals.
“The arrests will send a stern warning to illegal schools that government would stop at nothing to protect initiate lives. We will ensure a pro-active zero tolerance policy against everybody who endangers the lives of our children,” he said.
He also thanked all compliant initiation schools operating within the prescripts of the CIA. The MEC urged initiate schools and Ingoma holders to adhere to safety protocols and compliance measures during this initiation season to safeguard initiates. He committed himself to shut down all illegal initiation schools with assistance from various stakeholders.
“Our goal is to minimize fatalities, health risks and ensuring all returns home safely” said Mashilo. He also said the department has registered 542 initiation schools, 371 for males and 171 for females for the 2025 winter initiation season.
Together with its stakeholders, the PICC would continue to monitor all initiation schools and provide necessary support until the last day of the customary practice. This year’s customary practice is anchored on the theme: Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila.
