By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West said it welcomes the establishment of a local committee to bolster the capacity to monitor initiation schools ahead of the winter initiation term. This follows the deaths of four initiates at a bogus school that operated within the jurisdiction of Mahikeng during summer season.  

The inaugural initiation school Lekgotla was hosted by the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo on Friday. According to the convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, the committee aimed at ridding the municipality of unscrupulous swindlers. 

“The Lekgotla brought together over 50 principals of initiation schools and other stakeholders. We are encouraged that there is consensus that initiation is supposed to be a healthy, safe, positive learning as well as a bonding experience. 

“It was supposed to be a portal into manhood that is not associated with criminality, human rights abuse and loss of lives. Strict compliance with the Custom Initiation Act, No. 2 of 2021 is not negotiable, if customary practices are to be protected and the lives of innocent young people saved,” he said.

Kgwele further said that chancers and those who commit atrocities through bogus initiation schools undermine tradition, as well as culture and should be reported to authorities. He added that they applaud the commitment by the nominated committee to silence initiation songs sung by bullies, who have taken the character of gangsters that are undermining educators and school authorities at some of the schools. 

“These tyrants cannot force to be the first on the National School Nutrition Scheme queues ahead of uncircumcised learners at our schools. The MMR will work with the department of basic education towards School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to entrench a culture of human rights within value-driven schools,” said Kgwele.

Meanwhile, Mphehlo pointed out that, the immediate task of the nine-member committee is to establish cluster committees to cover all wards in order to assist the PICC with its vetting processes. He said this will assist in combating fronting and visit troubled schools to call bullies to order.

“The future generation of leaders should be brewed from traditional schools without discriminating against others, who by many beliefs and practices hold a different opinion than theirs. 

“The individuals nominated to serve on the committee have the requisite experience and share our vision to uphold the rule of law, as well as restore our cultural and community values,” said Mphehlo. 

He said they trust that all individuals will support the initiative, as it is part of their effort to better communities. 

The Chairperson of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) who also represented the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Andries Stemmer said: “The best practice in terms of compliance with the 40 years’ minimum age requirement for principals of schools and the ten years after graduation was observed at Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, where the average age of principals is 59.

“We urge other municipalities to follow the example set by Mahikeng Local Municipality.”

Meanwhile, Keletso Leburu said that the North West Department of Health, will conduct screening of new initiates, advice of risks before admissions for registered schools are finalised. 

Leburu said they will also conduct unannounced inspections and regular check-ups for bleeding, dehydration and malnutrition.

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