Limpopo’s 2025 initiation season plans ‘on track’
Limpopo MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, says they are ready to enrol initiates ahead of the 2025 winter initiation season.
The initiation schools will open on 23 June and end on 21 July.
A total of 530 initiation schools have been given the seal of approval.
This comprises 322 and 208 initiation schools for men and women, respectively, with a minimum admission age of 16.
Makamu addressed the media before Wednesday’s pre-initiation season workshop at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
"For generations, this rite of passage has shaped the identity, values, and responsibility of our youth," he said.
"It makes their transition into adulthood not a journey to parade, but one of growth.
"When conducted correctly, it instils discipline, respect, and social consciousness, offering young people guidance in a world gripped by crime and substances."
Although Limpopo is a leading province when it comes to successful initiation schools in the country, three initiate deaths were recorded in 2024.
Makamu has warned those who practice illegal initiations that decisive legal action will be taken against them.
"People open illegal initiation schools, and when they go to court, they lose. They continue to appeal so that the initiation period can end. We are telling them [the police] that they must be very fast and be able to charge and be able to attach imprisonment to the person who runs illegal initiation schools," he added.
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