By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 25 initiates were rescued from illegal initiation school at Witfontein Farm, which is between Ottosdal and Klerksdorp. The raid was carried out through a joint operation between the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), which led to the closure of the school.

The COGTA spokesperson, Dineo Thapelo said the school operated for two weeks. Thapelo said the department officials have rescued 26 young people from an illegal initiation school, which was raided and closed.

“Some of the initiates required immediate medical attention, while others needed medical check-ups. One was admitted at Ottosdal Hospital, six were referred to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp and four were referred to Gelukspan Hospital.

“A case has been opened at Ottosdal Police Station against the principal for contravening the Customary Initiation Act,” she said.

The Deputy Chairperson of PICC, Andries Stemmer, led the operation which conducted an early morning raid and shutdown of the unauthorised initiation school. This comes after receiving a tip-off that, the school is operating without a permit.

“These people have disregard for the law and the safety of our children. There are procedures that one needs to follow to register the initiation school for approval by the department.

“We urge parents to remain vigilant as many young boys are at risk of being abducted,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, further re-emphasised the severity of the mushrooming illegal initiation schools, labelling it a national crisis.

“It is quite disheartening to know that, there are initiation schools that are still operating without authorisation from the department, despite our efforts to educate everyone about the importance of following proper procedures.

“We urge all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding this cultural practice, especially as the department is yet to open applications for the upcoming June initiation season intake,” said Maotwe.

He added that, the collaborative efforts by all role players in the operation, which led to the shutdown of the school is commendable. Maotwe urged communities to support interventions by government and traditional leaders to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries due to illegal initiation schools.
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