The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has confirmed that nine initiates have died in the
Eastern Cape over the winter period.
“The total number of deaths of initiates that has been
verified and confirmed is nine. In the Mhlontlo Local Municipality, six
initiates have died. In the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality. Two
initiates have died, and one died in Ngquza Hill Local Municipality,” said
committee chairperson Fikile Xasa.
Xasa said that the committee is now calling for those operating
illegal initiation schools to face the full might of the law, “We are appealing
to the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritise the prosecution of cases
relating to illegal initiation schools.”
He added that the committee wants the parents of illegal
initiates to be under the spotlight of the law enforcement agencies to ensure
that they too face consequences for their role.
“The Cogta committee has been conducting oversight visits in
the Eastern Cape to monitor the operations of initiation schools over the
winter period.”
Xasa further added that the committee was satisfied with the activities of
the local initiation coordinating committees as well as the Provincial
Initiation Coordinating Committee.
