THOUSANDS of boys and girls will head to the mountains to attend initiation schools, a respected cultural practice in the Free State, on Friday, 29 November.
This ancient tradition is a significant milestone in black communities, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Provincial chairperson of the initiation schools, Dieke Mokoena, highlighted that the initiation school season is already underway. He reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and welfare of all initiates.
Free State initiation committee chair Dieke Mokoena demands a fatality-free season. Photo by Joseph Mokoaledi
“We cannot and will not accept any loss of life during this initiation season. We urge all stakeholders, including parents, traditional leaders, initiation school teachers, and principals, to join our plea for a fatality-free initiation season,” he said.
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Mokoena further indicated that extensive preparations have been made for a safe season with no fatalities.
“We’ve had a mass prayer asking our ancestors to protect our initiates. We have slaughtered a cow to atone for past incidents. That cow should die on behalf of our initiates. We’re using the animal’s blood to protect the participants,” he said.
Mokoena warned initiation school teachers who visit the mountains not to abuse the initiates.
“We condemn any form of abuse. We want our initiates to eat properly. Their full-time teachers should contact health officials whenever necessary. We’re aware of the well-being of the initiates,” said Mokoena.
The initiation school committee has also requested police presence to control possible crime in the mountains.
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