All systems go for 2016 initiation season in Limpopo

Some fifteen thousand initiates enrolled in initiation schools around Limpopo last year, with the death toll rising from one to two.

Committee member Seshego Sekororo said initiates were now required to undergo medical checks before going to initiation schools. 

"We don't want certain death cases to be attributed to schools. If the person is found by a medical practitioner to have a certain ailment that will jeopardise their chances, then that person is not allowed into the initiation school," Sekororo said.

Sekororo added that the boys' education would not be affected, as the initiation season starts a week before the end of the school term.

"Normally at this time, pupils have finished writing exams or tests. We speak to the Department of Education and we always agree."

The House of Traditional Leaders has received 376 applications to run initiation schools in the province. Chairpeson Malesela Dikgale said of these, a few did not meet requirements.

"Of the 376 applications received, 325 initiation schools were approved and 51 were not."

The House of Traditional Leaders said they would not tolerate illegal schools and would work with law enforcement officials to prevent any deaths.