Mahikeng:The National Department of Traditional Affairs and the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department have launched an awareness campaign to promote lawful traditional practices as per the Customary Initiation Act of 2021.

According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign aims to ensure that initiation schools are registered, a process required by Section 26 (02) of the Customary Act, which mandates registration at least three months before the initiation season begins. The upcoming 2026 Summer Initiation Season starts on November 6 for non-schooling initiates and on December 10 for school-going initiates, with all activities concluding by January 8, 2027.

Various stakeholders, including government departments, initiation practitioners, caregivers, parents, and prospective initiates, gathered in Mahikeng to work towards eliminating illegal initiation schools and achieving zero deaths. This initiative also seeks to increase public awareness and participation.

Andries Stemmer, Deputy Chairperson of the North West Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee, outlined the key aspects of the Customary Initiation Act. These include legal and health requirements, monitoring for compliance, and the responsibilities of all involved parties. Stemmer emphasized that applications must be signed by traditional authorities, but the registration occurs solely through the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee. This system helps monitor schools and ensure compliance.

Mahikeng is noted as a hotspot for illegal initiation activities, with issues such as child abductions, fronting, and gangsterism. The campaign encourages active citizen involvement and a shared responsibility to maintain safe customary practices.

Mamelani Tshabalala, representing the Mahikeng Initiation School Committee, called for greater community involvement in addressing school challenges, particularly bullying tendencies among initiated learners. Tshabalala urged parents to work with the Department of Education to instill discipline and prevent a culture of lawlessness and violence.

Abram Sithole, Secretary of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, stressed the role of traditional leaders in preserving culture and customs. He advocated for intergenerational dialogues to share wisdom and address societal issues like gender-based violence, femicide, and substance abuse.