NELSON Mandela Bay Municipality has created a database to keep track of land set aside for building initiation schools.
The list contains the names of approved traditional surgeons and guardians.
According to mayoral spokesman Sibongile Dimbaza, the list can be accessed at the Lilian Diedericks Building in Port Elizabeth.
“The list is also available in all primary healthcare facilities in the municipality,” said Dimbaza.
The creation of the database follows several complaints by parents who were not happy with traditional surgeons who build schools wherever they please and try to make money from as many initiates as
possible.
Dimbaza said: “According to the Customary Male Initiation Practice Act, no traditional surgeon is allowed to treat more than 30 initiates during initiation season.
“The municipality has no legal basis to set fees for surgeons and guardians.
“The agreement is made between them and the families who require their services.
“It is a civil contract which is entered into between the parties outside the municipality.
“However, the act stipulates that the local initiation working committee may set standard initiation fees.”
Mlandeli Botonani (57), a parent, welcomed the creation of the database but said parents were still responsible for the kids’ well-being during initiation season.
He said: “Even though there is a new law to guide the initiation of our boys, there are still many other challenges.”
