Gauteng cracks down on illegal initiation schools

All but two initiation schools in the province have been closed down, pending the attainment of proper certification.  

More than 20 children have been rescued this season placed in the care of the Department of Social Development.

In the Sedibeng District Municipality alone, 13 boys and six girls were rescued.

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Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza says the biggest obstacle is the unwillingness of parents to open cases, with some even withdrawing charges.

"Drugs and alcohol found in some of the initiation schools were rife and parents of abducted children are often charged exorbitant fees before their children are released," says Mayathula-Khoza.

"In some instances the team found that the initiation school principals were themselves underage, which means they themselves have not undergone initiation."

Mayathula-Khoza admits government is at least partly to blame for the situation.

"Some of the initiation school principals take advantage of the weak systems of government and make fraudulent forms."