Push to reopen initiation schools for summer season

Government asked to act after worrying rise in illegal centres

The Eastern Cape government is in a race against time to counter mushrooming illegal initiation schools.

Lockdown alert level 1 prohibits traditional circumcisions, but in the past few weeks illegal schools have cropped up all around the province.

A 15-year-old initiate died in Libode on Saturday, while four bogus surgeons were arrested at an illegal circumcision school near East London s Nompumelelo township on Thursday.

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Xolile Nqatha said on Monday he had made a written submission to the national government to reopen initiation schools for the summer season.

Nqatha, speaking at a press conference in Bhisho, said Cogta, district and metro traditional initiation forums, traditional leaders, Inkolo Kantu, SA Council of Churches, police, NGOs and the National Prosecuting Authority in the province had unanimously agreed to allow government resume the rite under level 1.

"These and other key stakeholders have indicated their support and readiness for the summer season, committing both their human and financial resources for a safe season. We will not disappoint them.”

Nqatha said the province would face challenges if initiation schools were to remain closed.

Some of the initiates will end “up being taken to mountains and faraway places that we won t be able to reach,” he said.

It is expected 40,000 Eastern Cape boys would undergo the rite in December.

But in his submissions to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nqatha said the custom would be subject to strict regulations. Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this week.

Nqatha said local initiation committees and a rapid response team in each metro and the province s eight districts had been established. Initiation remains illegal so “we could not have behaved as if it is a foregone conclusion that it [the season] is going to open. We want all stakeholders to “work together so that people do not do this outside the law.”

Nqatha urged parents to monitor their sons initiation preparations.

"Given that there is also the Covid-19 pandemic, parents, families, and traditional leaders and communities at large should play a role in saving lives and the dignity of the custom. Customary initiation is our “pride and identity hence it must be protected by all men and — women alike. No child must die.

Meanwhile, Nqatha confirmed Andile Fani as Cogta s new head of department.

He takes over from Gabisile Gumbi-Mabusela, who resigned from the position earlier this year.

Mr Fani is a brilliant administrator “and brings with him a wealth of experience in provincial and local government.

"He has met all the requirements “of the post. I wish him all the best and success in his new responsibility, Nqatha said.

Stakeholders have indicated their support and readiness for the summer season, committing their human and financial resources