By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has confirmed the approval of 530 permits for the operation of winter initiation schools across the province for both males and females. The initiation season is scheduled to run from 23 June to 21 July 2025.
According to MEC Basikopo Makamu, the department has intensified its oversight mechanisms to ensure a safe and death-free initiation season. Out of the total number of applications received, 40 were rejected due to non-compliance with the department’s guidelines and regulations.
Makamu said the department has implemented stricter vetting processes, which include background checks on traditional surgeons and principals. “We have approved 322 initiation schools for males and over 200 for females. We’ve also introduced a tracking system to assess the credibility and track record of applicants. If the track record is not satisfactory, we reject the application,” he said.
However, some traditional surgeons have raised concerns about the new vetting requirements. Erick Nethonzhe, a practitioner still awaiting permit approval, said the process is frustrating. “We submitted our applications, but we are worried about the vetting process.
The requirement to obtain a police clearance is troubling because this is not our profession – it’s an ancestral calling. Many applications might be rejected because of these new conditions,” he explained.
The department maintains that these measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of initiates and restore credibility to the cultural practice following past incidents of mismanagement and fatalities.
As the initiation season approaches, the government is calling for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the safe preservation of this important cultural rite of passage.
