Deputy Minister Obed Bapela condemns illegal initiation schools that result in deaths of initiates
6 Jul 2015
The Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Obed Bapela has condemned irresponsible people who operate illegal initiation schools with no regard for the law and safety of the children, but were motivated by greed for money.
The Deputy Minister also announces the national death toll with sincere sadness and extended condolences over the death of the initiates. The national figure is standing at 16. The Eastern Cape has to date reported 14 deaths with OR Tambo District seven, Chris Hani District four, Alfred Nzo one, Qumbu two. Limpopo has recorded one death and Mpumalanga has also reported one death.
Bapela said, "this is a national crisis looming before our eyes and a complex matter that needs all stakeholders to work together in preserving our cultural heritage from being hijacked by criminals.”
The Deputy Minister also commended the fast intervention of Gauteng Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, who together with members of the Meadowlands Zone 7 community rescued about 19 boys from an illegal school on the hills of Meadowlands on Friday, the 3rd of July 2015.The youngest was 11 and had been abducted by unscrupulous criminals that also intended to extort money from unsuspecting parents for the safe passage of the young boys.
The province of Gauteng has the highest number of illegal schools with a total of 22 that have been closed down and 89 initiates have been rescued since the start if the initiation season on the 20th of June 2015.
"The rescued boys were physically abused and starved for two weeks whilst some were scarred with hot soft porridge," said MEC Mazibuko.
The intervention of the MEC resulted with the boys being referred for medical intervention as a result of septic wounds and botched circumcision.
MEC Mazibuko added, "The Provincial Government of Gauteng through its Executive Council will not allow the operation of illegal schools and will install measures that will address such practices and bring to book those that abduct children, extort money and are endangering the lives of children. I would also like to congratulate the community of Meadowlands for being vigilant in detecting the abused boys who were starved over two weeks.”
The Deputy Minister further mentioned that “the challenge is that parents are not willing to open criminal cases of kidnapping for their children, it is sad that they are willing to pay the money to release them.”
The Deputy Minister calls on all stakeholders to play their part and ensure the safety of the initiates and protecting the cultural practices by reporting illegal and bogus initiation schools to the nearest police stations across the country.
For reporting of illegal initiation schools please contact the following numbers:
Department of Traditional Affairs: Deputy Chairperson of National House of Traditional Leaders: Kgosi Mahlangu +2771 461 0475
COGTA National: Abram Sithole +2771 600 7917
COGTA National: Jacob Mashishi +2772 025 4607
Gauteng Department of Social Development: Thebe Mohatle +2771 604 6096
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Motsamai Motlhaola +2779 897 2240
Statement issued by Mr Sifiso Ngcobo, Department of Traditional Affairs, July 6 2015
