Limpopo’s Traditional Affairs MEC Basikopo Makamu says actions will be taken against those who run illegal initiation schools in the province.
More than 700 initiation schools for males and females have been approved for this year, starting on the 19th of June to the 19th of July.
Makamu officially launched the initiation season in Polokwane on Wednesday.
Close to 200 applications were disapproved for reasons ranging from failure to comply with the Customary Initiation Act and failure by applicants to get permission from landowners.
Makamu says the law will apply against transgressors.
“I must issue a stern warning to those 186 applicants those permits were denied and to any individual opening an illegal school. The law will find you. Illegal schools are not only a violation of the law but also a threat to the lives of our youth. We are working in lockstep with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority will not hesitate to shut down illegal schools.”
Makamu says those whose applications were not approved may lodge appeals with the Premier’s office.
“Several applicants failed to provide the mandatory written approval from the landowners and failed to attach a valid title deed. Let me be clear, the law is not a suggestive – it is a is a safeguard and we will not compromise the safety of our children by approving schools that don’t abide to the legal and administrative threshold.”
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