No deaths reported during summer initiation season in Gauteng
The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) says the summer initiation season has concluded without major problems.
The committee’s spokesperson, Mluleki Ngomane, spoke on Tuesday, which marked the final day of the sacred cultural practice, which is a rite of passage for young men at the age of 18 to manhood.
During the Gauteng summer initiation season, which began on 14 December, the PICC received 147 applications, of which 80 were males, and 67 were female.
Out of the applications received, only 64 were approved, and 83 we declined.
Ngomane says no deaths were recorded during this period.
"The PICC deems the summer 2023/24 season a success. Challenges faced are those of illegal initiation schools that did not register with the PICC for approval to operate in the season. Fortunately, there have been no deaths recorded or reports of death brought forward to the Gauteng PICC.
"We don’t have records of botched initiation in the province. In case of botched initiation, the PICC advises such initiates to bring forward the details of the initiation school and open criminal cases against school principals and traditional surgeons involved.
"The PICC also advises the initiates to seek urgent and further medical attention. Details of where they can be reported are available on media statements released by the PICC".
He said efforts are being made to ensure that illegal initiation schools are shut down.
"Once tip-off of an illegal school is received, COGTA and the PICC establish a collaborative team of role players consisting of SAPS, Department of Health and Department of Social Development. Such schools are immediately shut down, and criminal cases are opened.
"The PICC collaborates with the Department of Health to capacitate traditional surgeons with the relevant skills to undertake such procedures. The Customary Initiation Act also dictates that a traditional surgeon must be registered with a recognised Traditional Health Institution as a measure to ensure that they have the relevant skills and experience.
"The CIA is also very clear about the number of years required for traditional surgeons to perform the procedure, which is 10 years. This is also communicated with role players during workshops and advocacy campaigns.”
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