By OBAKENG MAJE
A boy (12) has died at the initiation school in Vryburg. It is alleged that, the boy was taken to the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital after experiencing complications. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, the police in Vryburg were called to the hospital.
“Upon arrival, the police were informed that a boy was brought in from the initiation school, which is 10km outside of Vryburg along the N14 road. The victim died after being admitted to the hospital,” Botma said.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela told Newzroom Afrika that, they are concerned about death tolls at initiation schools across the country. Bapela said, the police will crack down and investigate those who are responsible.
“We have assembled the National Initiation School Oversight Committee (NISOC) and we also have Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) across all nine provinces.
“The initiation is being practiced across all provinces, now, with this committee established, we will be able to engage with communities including parents and families. It is paramount for parents to take charge and ensure that they know where their children are going,” he said.
Bapela further said, this will assist in eliminating illegal initiation schools. He added, the police also have the law on their side and they are now able to charge those individuals, who run illegal initiation schools.
“In the past, the police were able to arrest them, but could not charge them. Now, the new legislation allows police to charge them. Unfortunately, we already have over 11 deaths and Eastern Cape is the most affected.
“In winter this year, we also experienced some deaths, but I am hopeful that next year, we will be able to prevent many deaths as possible. It is important for those who go to initiation schools to undergo a pre-medical check before being admitted at the initiation school,” said Bapela.
He also encouraged parents to ensure that, the initiation schools that they take their children to are legitimate. According to Bapela, it is difficult to monitor illegal initiation schools because most of them are hidden in the deep forests away from authorities.
“It is fundamental for parents to ensure that they know those who will be responsible for conducting procedural issues at the initiation schools. They should check if those individuals are knowledgeable about tradition and culture. They should also check if the school is legal and those initiates, who have underlying conditions will be allowed to take their medication.
“These initiation schools are conducted within communities, so it is not difficult for parents to identify them. We urge everyone to come on board and ensure that compliance is the order of the day.
He added: “We need to deal harshly with those who commercialize the initiation schools. Most definitely, we will investigate the initiation schools, where children died to check what was the cause of deaths and those who are responsible will have to account.”
The Guardian 