The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga has suspended the initiation school season (ingoma) until further notice. This is in line with the Disaster Management regulations outlined by the National Department of Cooperative Governance, as one of the preventative measures against the spread of the corona virus.
MEC for COGTA in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi urged the institution of traditional leadership to adhere to the regulation as the country implementing extraordinary measures to curb more infections. “Regulation 6.3 issued by the Minister of COGTA directs Municipalities and the institution of traditional leadership should play an important role in ensuring wide-spread and consistent messaging and communication. The suspension of initiation schools will serve as one of the preventative cornerstones to curb the infections. Therefore we urge traditional leaders to adhere to these measures. We urge Amakhosi/Makgoshi to further advocate for adherence by all people within their jurisdiction with the view that any violation will be liable for penalties,” Mr Msibi said.
Mr Msibi expressed satisfaction about the decision to suspend all cultural ceremonies, as announced by the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders. “We have recorded nine (9) cases in Mpumalanga with dozens contacts being investigated. Cultural functions are a fertile ground for the spread of the virus through social contact. They are attended by communities in their hundreds. We commend the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, under the leadership of the Chairperson, Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane for the decision to suspend the ceremonies. It is a major step towards the mitigation of potential infections”, he said.
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Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za