North West Department of CoGTA and SAPS Shut Down Illegal Initiation Schools, Rescue Over 100 Initiates

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), through the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) and in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has successfully closed down seventeen illegal initiation schools across the province. This operation resulted in the rescue of over 100 initiates.

The shutdowns follow extensive oversight visits conducted by the PICC, aimed at clamping down on illegal initiation schools since the beginning of the 2024 winter initiation season, in accordance with Section 15 of the Customary Initiation Act No 2 of 2021 (CIA). The committee ensured compliance with Sections 20, 21, 23, and 24 of the CIA by verifying the qualifications and credentials of initiation school practitioners, including principals, caretakers, and traditional surgeons. They also inspected facilities to ensure they met the minimum standards outlined in Section 30 of the CIA.

The PICC’s efforts have ensured the safety and health of numerous young initiates, some of whom were found in dire conditions. The committee has opened cases at various police stations, and several school principals have been arrested.

PICC Chairperson Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlho Gasebone expressed deep concern over the non-compliance of initiation school principals, which has led to an increase in illegal schools and the deaths of two initiates. Kgosi Gasebone attributed the proliferation of illegal initiations to individuals driven by greed, seeking to extort money from the parents of initiates.

“During our capacity-building session in April 2024, the PICC engaged school principals across the province about the new customary initiation law. This was done to prevent the emergence of illegal initiation schools. We are pleased that the school principals have been arrested and will face the full might of the law. We will continue to work with the police to clamp down on these illegal acts until everyone follows the dictates of the CIA,” remarked Kgosi Gasebone.

He also condemned the recent attack on the PICC Deputy Chairperson Andries Stemmer’s son, an act of intimidation by those running illegal initiation schools. This incident occurred following a community tip-off about illegal initiation schools in Lichtenburg and Coligny, where 13 initiates were found.

Other initiates were rescued from illegal schools in Moretele, Motla, Makapanstad, Kromkuil, Klipgat, Kgabalatsane, Hebron, Letlhabile, Tigane, Goedgevonden, Mahikeng, Mareetsane, Coligny, Boikhutso, Makouspan, and Madibogo. The rescued initiates were taken to nearby clinics and hospitals for further check-ups and assistance.

Kgosi Gasebone emphasized that no initiation school would be allowed to operate without adhering to the CIA, which includes medical check-ups of initiates and obtaining consent from their parents.

“What is happening is totally unacceptable. It is illegal and shows no regard for life. We appeal to communities to help the department and PICC stop these criminals who abduct schoolboys and initiate them without their parents’ knowledge and consent. The two deaths could have been avoided,” said Kgosi Gasebone.

He encouraged those who comply with the Customary Initiation Act to continue preserving this important tradition responsibly.