Three initiates have reportedly died during the past summer initiation season, and several illegal initiation schools have been closed.
Also read: Commission to close down Eastern Cape initiation schools
Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais says criminal charges have been laid against those accused of running illegal initiation schools.
‘The Western Cape recorded three fatalities during the summer initiation season of 2023. In the wake of the passing of the three initiates, the Western Cape Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (WCPICC) filed criminal cases with the South African Police Service in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act.
‘The cases are still in the investigation phase, and no further updates are currently available,’ she adds.
‘In the run-up to the winter initiation season, we will ensure even stricter compliance with the law and will follow a pro-active zero-tolerance policy against everybody and anybody who endangers the lives of our people in the Western Cape by flouting the laws governing initiation.’
As per a departmental report, a decline in deaths compared to previous years has been recorded. However, concerns persist regarding the safety and well-being of initiates.
‘While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, we recognise that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of all initiates during this important cultural practice,’ says Marais.
IOL reports that the department has been working with traditional leaders and community members to implement measures prioritising the health and safety of initiates.
Despite these efforts, persistent challenges such as insufficient medical facilities and resources in initiation areas and the presence of illegal initiation schools pose risks to the initiates’ well-being.
‘We are dedicated to improving the conditions for initiates and ensuring that they [can] undergo this cultural practice in a safe and dignified manner,’ says Marais. ‘Education plays a crucial role in ensuring that initiates and their families understand their rights and responsibilities.’
Sikelela Zokufa from the Somagwaza Institute reported a successful initiation season with over 400 boys on the mountain, all of whom returned safely. ‘Somagwaza Institute has a special project for over-aged boys, where we help boys who have no one to help them,’ Zokufa told IOL, disputing claims that initiation schools were closed by the department.
‘Last year, we had 41 boys that we helped for free. We are happy to report that there were no deaths from outside. The issue of initiation schools that have been closed is not true; we had no schools closed from our side.’
Also read:
Police investigate ‘gruesome murder’ after three initiates found dead
Picture: Somagwaza Institute / Facebook