On the 24th to the 26th of April 2023, the CRL Rights Commission hosted the National Customary Initiation Indaba at Birchwood Hotel and Conference in Gauteng intending to address the high death rates and other challenges at initiation schools.
Among the attendees were the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-Leaders, National Department of COGTA, COGTA Portfolio Committee Members, some of the Chapter Nine Institutions, Initiation Principals, NPA, Initiation Caregivers, Initiation Traditional Surgeons, Traditional Health Practitioners, Department of Traditional Affairs, other government departments, some parents who lost their children at the initiation schools.
Speaking to the chairperson of the Commission, David Mosoma, said that the primary goal of this indaba is to make sure that the rights, health, and human dignity of the young men who attend initiation schools are protected.
“Gone are the days where we sacrifice our children to the altar of culture”
Speaking to Pertunia Motlamelle from Daveyton, who is one of the parents that were able to fetch their children from illegal initiation school said that she only knew about the whereabouts of her child when someone called to notify her that if she wants her child, she must go to Mashabela’s place in Dennilton.
Snowy from Daveyton said, “I have gained a lot of knowledge that I didn’t know and now I will be able to take proper measures when my child goes to an illegal initiation school without my knowledge.”
Another Daveyton, Emelia Maureen who is also a parent that was invited, mentioned that she has learned that parents have the right to not allow their children to go to initiation schools should they not have the required amount of money to take their children out and everyone is welcome to take their children to the clinics.
In conclusion, Mosoma said that parents must not take their children to illegal initiation schools. Names of legitimate schools will be gazetted in their communities and communicated on the radio.
“Parents who will take their children to illegal initiation schools will be committing a criminal act and will be dealt with accordingly.”
By Manare Hopane
