Thousands of the boys in the five districts of Limpopo are expected to participate in the activities at initiation schools, starting from tomorrow (Saturday) and continuing until July 20.

According to the chairperson of the Limpopo Task Team that deals with initiation schools in the province, young boys under the age of 12 will no longer be allowed to attend initiation schools. "In the last few years, our province has earned the reputation of being the trendsetter and the upholder of good practices when it comes to the governance and management of initiation schools. We have now taken a decision that only those who are older than 12 years are permitted to undergo to the initiation process," said Netshimbupfe.

He added that, in 2006, a total of 327 schools were registered, while 43 were declared illegal. In that year, 40 314 boys were initiated and 12 of them died at the illegal schools. "In 2007, a total of 243 schools were registered; 32 300 boys were initiated, and 7 illegal schools were reported where 5 boys died. This year, the task team, consisting of traditional leaders, will be on standby to watch any deviation from legislation in all initiation schools."

According to Netshimbupfe, initiates are expected to pay an amount of R350 before being circumcised. However, during the traditional leaders’ meeting at Oasis Lodge near in Polokwane this week, circumcisers indicated that they needed the prince to increase to R500.

"We have already received 139 applications from the Waterberg, Mopani and Capricorn Districts. We are still waiting for a list from the Sekhukhune and Vhembe Districts," Netshimbupfe said.

"Last year, we hosted delegations from other provinces that came to consult us on how best to manage initiation practices in their provinces. We regard this as a sign of confidence in our systems, and can be attributed to the cooperation we enjoy from members of the community and various stakeholders like traditional leaders, traditional surgeons, and government departments," he said.

According to him, another reason for this province’s success is the determination of traditional leaders who want to see an orderly process which does not lead to disaster or unwarranted loss of lives. "This year in particular, we want to improve on the weaknesses detected last year, especially regarding illegal practices," said Netshimbupfe, adding that anyone found contravening the law will be dealt with accordingly.

He further outlined that there were traditional leaders who avoided their responsibilities by transferring their rights to others in exchange for money. "This tendency is wrong in the extreme and we want to condemn it as traditional leaders. Apart from the disorder and the disorganisation that this behaviour causes, it unfortunately also puts the lives of initiates themselves at risk. This is a violation of rules of accountability which go with the responsibility of being a permit holder."