LIMPOPO PREMIER DR RAMATHUBA CONGRATULATES THE PROVINCIAL INITIATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON A WELL-MANAGED 2025 INITIATION SEASON
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee, senior traditional leaders, and all stakeholders for their diligent efforts in managing the 2025 initiation season, which has officially drawn to a close.
This year, under the guidance of the Customary Initiation Act, 2021 (Act No. 2 of 2021), the Limpopo Provincial Government working hand-in-hand with traditional leadership structures successfully facilitated the safe initiation of more than 25,000 initiates across the province. A total of 500 registered initiation schools operated this season, comprising 350 male and 150 female schools. While a few illegal schools were identified, swift interventions by law enforcement and traditional leaders helped curtail their impact.
Premier Ramathuba noted that while the majority of schools conducted their activities with discipline, cultural integrity, and adherence to safety protocols, the province deeply regrets the tragic loss of two young initiates, one due to ill health and the other following a fire incident at an initiation school.
“We mourn the loss of two young lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families. One death is one too many. As government, together with our traditional leaders, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure that no life is lost during initiation. We will continue to strengthen health screening protocols and intensify monitoring mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future,” said Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
Premier Ramathuba further commended the cooperation of traditional leaders and initiation school principals who complied with the regulatory framework, submitted applications on time, and upheld cultural standards while prioritizing the health and safety of initiates.
As part of ongoing improvements, the Premier urged those intending to open initiation schools in the future to ensure early registration and compliance with the relevant legal provisions. This will enable the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee and health authorities to conduct proper assessments and offer the necessary support.
The Limpopo Provincial Government remains committed to working closely with traditional leaders and communities to build on the progress made this season and ensure an even safer, well-coordinated initiation process in the years ahead.