MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Mandla Msibi has warned communities in Mpumalanga to be vigilant against illegal initiation schools. This as the initiation season gets underway in Mpumalanga. The initiation practice known as ‘ingoma’ is the traditional practice of the rite of passage to adulthood by young boys.
Mr Msibi says illegal initiation schools are a risk that contribute to fatalities during the practice. He urged traditional leaders, community structures and parents to work together to prevent the mushroom of illegal initiation schools in Mpumalanga. “The Ingoma Act of 2011 gazetted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government regulates the practice of initiation schools. In terms of the Act initiation schools are those that have been granted permission by traditional leaders in their area of jurisdiction. So we appeal to parents to verify first whether the initiation schools in their area are legal before allowing their children to attend ingoma,” Mr Msibi said.
Cogta is working closely with the Department of Health, law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders through the Ingoma Forum to prevent fatalities. The Department of Health has assigned medical doctors and nurses to screen initiates before participating in the initiation process. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for monitoring the legality of the initiation schools.
Mr Msibi warned people who contravene the Ingoma Act about arrest and prosecution. “Working with the South African Police Services (SAPS) we will be merciless against those who operate illegal schools. We will ensure that the owners are given harsh sentences as a deterrent against fatalities,” Mr Msibi warned. He also urged traditional leaders to take lead in the ingoma practice as custodians.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operation and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
Email: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Twitter: @cogtamp
Facebook: @mpucogta