At least three deaths recorded at Limpopo initiation schools

COGHSTA MEC Basikopo Makamu said while the number has decreased as compared to four deaths recorded in 2022, the loss of one life is one too many.

Vhembe district recorded the death of a 44-year-old Zimbabwean man while Sekhukhune recorded the death of a female initiate and Capricorn recorded the death of a 14-year-old boy.

"We say condolences to the families of the three initiates. We are saying, through the premier of the province, it was not the intention of us as the provincial government to have death within our initiation schools," said Makamu.

"But of course comparatively speaking from the previous year to this year, we have reduced the fatalities."

The province enrolled 68 329 initiates at 587 initiation schools for both men and women between 16 June and 15 July this year.

Out of 44 illegal initiation schools, four were closed down with cases now open against 14.

“We want to extend a word of gratitude to the commitment shown by our law enforcement authorities to make sure we collaboratively push back against these illegal schools that put our children and culture at risk.

“The sustained dedication our people show to this traditional rite of passage that has been practised in our continent for centuries continues to fuel our efforts to ensure that it not only is kept alive for them but that it is done safely within the confines of the law.

"We are happy, we are closing the initiation school for 2023 on a very high note and say there are lessons that we have learned out of this season of 2023. We hope to improve."

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