By STAFF REPORTER
15 June 2026 – The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs is calling on residents across the province to report any illegal initiation schools operating during the 2026 winter initiation season. This forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of initiates and to achieve zero initiation-related deaths and injuries.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has approved a total of 92 male initiation schools and 29 female initiation schools across the province following a rigorous application, verification and compliance process. Molapisi said to ensure transparency and public awareness, his department has published the names of all approved initiation schools on its official communication platforms.
“Parents, guardians and initiates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the approved list and to ensure that initiates attend only legally authorised initiation schools during the winter initiation season.
“In a move aimed at strengthening monitoring and compliance, the department has appointed an additional 20 members to the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee. These officials will be responsible for conducting regular inspections and monitoring activities at initiation schools throughout the season to ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and to safeguard the lives of initiates,” he said.
Molapisi reiterated that, the department’s zero-tolerance approach towards illegal initiation schools, warning that principals and operators of unauthorised schools will face the full consequences of the law. He added that safety and wellbeing of initiates remain their foremost priority.
“We call on communities, parents, traditional leaders and all stakeholders to work with government in identifying and reporting illegal initiation schools. Together, we can protect lives and preserve the integrity of this important cultural practice,” concluded Molapisi.
The Guardian 