Government has intensified efforts to combat illegal initiation schools following a high-level meeting aimed at preventing deaths while protecting legitimate cultural initiation practices across South Africa.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia convened a meeting on Tuesday with senior South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership, provincial commissioners, premiers and Members of the Executive Councils responsible for Community Safety to strengthen the country’s response to challenges associated with initiation schools.
The meeting follows recent engagements led by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, which brought together government and traditional leaders to address illegal initiation schools, initiate deaths and the need to safeguard recognised cultural practices.
During the meeting, Deputy National Commissioner: Policing and National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, presented a detailed operational report outlining initiation-related deaths, arrests made by law enforcement, as well as the number of registered legal initiation schools and those operating illegally.
Officials agreed that the report provides an important operational picture that will guide future law enforcement interventions and improve coordination between departments.
Provincial Commissioners highlighted ongoing challenges in regulating initiation schools and called for stronger cooperation between government departments, police, traditional leaders and communities responsible for overseeing initiation practices.
Minister Cachalia said the concerns raised during the meeting would be incorporated into a report for the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, together with practical recommendations aimed at improving intergovernmental coordination and preventing further loss of life.
The meeting also resolved to strengthen collaboration between provincial governments, SAPS, recognised initiation school leadership and traditional authorities to improve compliance with legislation, enhance information sharing and increase enforcement action against illegal initiation schools.
