MAKHADO – Eight traditional surgeons were allowed by the premier to conduct initiation schools within the Makhado Municipal area.

The established and permitted circumcision schools that have met all the requirements in terms of the Northern Province Circumcision Schools Act within Makhado area include Ha-Matsa by KV Tshifhango, Mavhunga (MC Ramulongo), Mbhokota (NC Mthavini), Nesengani (MV Tshikororo), Tsianda (B Nethonzhe), Mulima Thondoni (MJ Tshirangwana) and Tswika R Mikosi.

According to the Director: Corporate Services at the Makhado Municipality, Mr Ntsieni Peter Magwala, no person is allowed to conduct an initiation school without a permit issued by the premier, and a certificate of fitness will not be issued to a person who has not undergone the training.

"As the premier may at any time during the existence of any initiation school instruct us to submit a report pertaining to any initiation school, we will, together with the SAPS, the Department of Health and Welfare, Local Government and Housing, regularly visit the initiation schools in our municipal area," he said. Magwala said that if they become aware of the violation of any condition of the regulation, they will report the matter to the Premier, who may take appropriate steps, including the withdrawal of the relevant permit and closure of the initiation school concerned.

He stated that no person below the age of 12 may be admitted to an initiation school, adding that, without consent of the parent or guardian for initiates below 21 years, they must not be admitted. When asked about the admission fees, Magwala said that initiation schools must charge fees not exceeding R250 if they are not providing initiates with food and related support and R350 if the initiation school provides initiates with food and related support.

In terms of the duration of the initiation schools, he said that it is recommended that such time frames must not run concurrently with the academic activities of educational institutions or schools. "We want our people to understand that no person is allowed to abduct another for the purpose of taking the abducted person to an initiation school. As soon as we become aware that a person has been abducted to an initiation school, we will order the release of such a person and immediately cause the matter to be reported to the local police," Magwala said.