Limpopo authorities not leaving anything to chance shutting down illegal initiation schools

Authorities in Limpopo say they have shut down seven initiation schools that were found to be operating beyond the permitted time of the cultural practice.
The provincial Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs department said in a statement the initiation schools were in the Sekhukhune district.

The move is part of broader efforts to avoid loss of life in what’s an important cultural rite of passage practiced by multiple tribes in South Africa and other parts of the continent.

According the department, four female initiation schools with a collective 127 initiates, and three male initiation schools with 115 initiates continued to operate even after the official closing date prompting a swift crackdown by provincial authorities.
All customary initiation schools in Limpopo had until 19th July 2026 to close.

The department said it mobilised police on Wednesday after getting tip offs from concerned residents around Nebo.

“Continuing to run initiation schools beyond the stipulated period is a violation of the law. We commend the swift action by SAPS and our monitors.” Said MEC Basikopo Makamu.

The department set the July 19th deadline in consultation with its education counterpart to accommodate the commencement of the third quarter of the 2026 academic year and the MEC said no one was going to be allowed to undermine it.

“It is clear that the owners of these schools have no regard for the education of initiates who are still attending school. This is totally unacceptable and government has to act in the best interest of these learners.” said MEC Makamu.

The rescued initiates were reunited with their parents while monitoring teams continue investigating non-compliant initiation schools across the province.

Meanwhile the national government expressed deep concern over the continued loss of life and other disturbing incidents recorded during the initiation season that just concluded with a total of 47 initiates reported dead across the country.

“Cabinet conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 47 initiates who lost their lives during the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation Season and wished those injured or still receiving medical treatment a speedy recovery,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

She said the government was pleased with the swift response of law enforcement agencies as and when pockets of non-compliance were reported.

“Cabinet further welcomed the swift response by the law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who contravene customary initiation laws are held accountable. To date, approximately 161 criminal cases have been opened, resulting in the arrest of 41 people. In addition, 42 illegal initiation schools were closed, and 181 initiates rescued and 93 hospitalised,” said Ntshavheni.