Three initiates died as WC summer initation 2023 concludes

Three initiates has died as part of the summer initiation season of 2023. The Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs & Sports Department says cases has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

"While we worked with our partners to provide all the training and support we could muster, the fact is that three precious Western Cape lives were lost. I convey my deepest empathy to the families and loved ones of the departed. Following each of the three deaths, criminal charges were laid with the police and those cases are continuing,’’ said Anroux Marais, Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC.

About 1 500 initiates, from various parts of the province - Cape Metro, Cape Winelands, Central Karoo, Garden Route, Overberg, and West Coast - completed the rites of passage.

COURTESY: ParliamentZA

Marais said her department also closed down several illegal initiation sites and laid criminal charges against those running these illegal initiation schools.

‘’In the run-up to the winter initiation season, we will ensure even stricter compliance with the law, and will follow a pro-active zero tolerance policy against everybody and anybody who endanger the lives of our people in the Western Cape by flouting the laws governing initiation."

The MEC commended all schools that have complied this season.

‘’The support that the custodians of the Customary Initiation practice have received from municipalities through the provision of land, water, sanitation and refuse services is greatly appreciated. In addition, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Cape Nature Conservation provided access to additional sites; the Department of Health and Wellness provided emergency support services and were on hand in case of any disaster, as well as free health screenings before the school started.  A special thanks to the Initiation Forums and members of Contralesa who ensured a safe rite of passage,’’ said Anroux Marais, Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC.

Marais said the preparatory phase for winter initation season commenced on 1 February, and will run up until the start of the winter season starting on 1 May 2024.

‘’Forums and initiation schools are encouraged to work together with the WCPICC monitors to effectively monitor the upcoming winter initiation season to ensure the wellbeing of the initiates and to ensure zero fatalities,’’ said Marais.

 

Done By: Mitchum George