Kegakilwe affirms stand on bogus initiation schools

2 July 2010

North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mothibedi Kegakilwe, has appealed to members of the community to work together with law enforcement authorities to crack-down on bogus initiation schools that continue to mushroom in the province.

This follows an investigation into initiation schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality recently by the provincial House of Traditional Leaders' Traditions, Customs and Culture Sub-Committee; following complaints by some heads of initiation schools that certain schools, particularly in Ratlou and Tswaing local municipalities, were operating unlawfully.

The investigation revealed that indeed there were initiation schools that were operating without proper authorisation.

"We cannot allow a situation where some people exploit the situation for their own personal again, and completely disregards our cultural practices," MEC Kegakilwe said.

He said the department will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies and health authorities, through the provincial Department of Health and Social Development to ensure that health regulations were being adhered to.

Meanwhile, the national Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs has developed a policy paper on traditional practice of initiation.

The policy seeks to introduce the accountability of traditional leaders for this practice, as well as look into the general management of initiation schools and the criminalisation and harsh sentencing for those found to be running illegal initiation schools.

Issued by: Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, North West Provincial Government
2 July 2010