Dinokana: The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) are set to launch an awareness campaign about the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) aimed at preventing deaths at initiation schools in the North West. The campaign will be inaugurated on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana.

According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign is a response to the rise of illegal initiation schools during the past winter season, which resulted in over 100 initiates being rescued and the unfortunate death of six initiates. The initiative’s goal is to promote safe and lawful cultural practices by educating communities about the rights of initiates and the responsibilities of traditional leaders, parents, and initiation school principals.

The campaign seeks to achieve zero fatalities during initiation seasons by enforcing the CIA rigorously and fostering collaboration between governmen
t, traditional leaders, and communities. The launch event will be attended by key figures such as the Chairperson of the National Initiation Oversight Committee, Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu; North West PICC Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone; and Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, along with other traditional leaders and government representatives.

Gasebone emphasized the campaign’s importance, stating that illegal initiation schools, especially those operated by individuals seeking financial gain, will not be tolerated. He urged traditional school principals to collaborate with local traditional authorities, the department, and the PICC to ensure compliance with the regulations for hosting initiation schools.

The CIA is designed to protect and regulate initiation practices by establishing norms and standards, overseeing initiation processes, and coordinating the relevant structures. It focuses on protecting life, preventing injuries, and safeguard
ing individuals from abuse, while ensuring that initiation practices comply with constitutional and legal requirements.

The PICC highlighted that the Act prohibits forced attendance at initiation schools, sets age restrictions, and requires parental consent for minors. Principals of initiation schools must apply for permission to operate by 3 October 2025 for the upcoming summer season. Additionally, traditional surgeons must meet specific criteria, including a minimum age of 40, completion of initiation over a decade ago, and at least five years of mentorship experience.