Call for initiation schools to register for 2023 Summer season

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport invites initiation school principals and initiation forums to register for the 2023 Summer season.

According to Section 26 (2) of the Customary Initiation Act, Act 2 of 2021: “An initiation school must be registered at least three months prior to the commencement of an initiation season and such registration is valid only for a specific initiation season indicated on the registration certificate.” The registration period opened on 1 August 2023 and all applications must be submitted by 31 August 2023.

To register initiation schools, initiation school principals and initiation forums are required to submit a duly completed and signed Initiation application form as well as all additional information requested must be provided in full. Late initiation applications will not be accepted.

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said: “It is crucial that we ensure that all initiation schools in the province are registered as per the requirements of the Act. We are committed to ensuring the safety of all our initiates by providing support to duly registered initiation schools. We want to make sure that this important and sacred rite of passage can continue safely in the Western Cape.”

To register initiation schools, individuals, parents, and communities must consult with their local initiation forums. Application forms are available on request from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Media Enquiries:

Tania Colyn

Head of Communications

Tel: 076 093 4913

Source: Government of South Africa