PICC outraged at illegal initiation schools in Sedibeng

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The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) says it is outraged at the illegal customary initiation schools operating in the Sedibeng Region.

This after abductions to illegal initiation schools were reported in the region.

The PICC and the department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said it will not be able to monitor illegal initiation schools and ensure the safety of children as they operate in underground fashion.

“Almost every year children lose their lives in illegal initiation schools,” PICC spokesperson Kiba Kekana revealed.

Kekana called on parents to be extra vigilant and proactive in verifying the legitimacy of initiation schools that they are sending the children to.

“Schools operating without permits from the PICC are illegal and are in direct contradiction of the prescripts of the Customary Initiation Act, 21(CIA) No 2 of 2021.

“The media statements released on the August 21 and November 12 respectively, clearly communicate the 2023 summer initiation season dates of operation as December 14, 2023 – January 16, 2024 and this is in accordance with section 27 (1) of the CIA.

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“The PICC therefore sends out a stern warning to school principals and Initiation schools that commencement of initiation before or beyond school holidays will be unlawful,” he added.

Kekana stated that transgressors will be found guilty of this offence will be liable upon conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or both a fine and such imprisonment as per provision of section 33(4) of the Customary Initiation Act.

He continued; “Any suspicion of initiation schools and school principals believed to be non-compliant and operating under illegal conditions can be reported to the nearest SAPS and the PICC secretariat desk.”

According to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) more than 700 initiates have died since 2006.

In 2021 the Customary Initiation Act was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to prevent deaths and injuries at initiation schools. The law was meant to have initiation school operators screened for criminal records, and discourage the use of alcohol in the mountain, while and imposing stiffer sentences on illegal operators.