HUNDREDS of boys are happy they will be able to attend initiation school this year following a two-year break due to Covid-19.
The Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs received 689 applications and 619 were approved.
Department spokesman, Hitekani Magwedze, said 407 male applications were approved, while 212 female applications were approved.
Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba has pledged healthcare support to avoid unnecessary deaths.
She thanked the provincial House of Traditional Leaders for their cooperation and understanding for not holding initiation schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We will dispatch our Covid-19 response team, medical doctors, environmental health practitioners and nurses in all initiation schools to ensure the safety of all initiates,” said Ramathuba.
Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders chairman, Chief Malesela Dikgale said the bulk of applications comes from the Sekhukhune district with over 500 applications.
Sangoma Justice Ramoadi has been running initiation schools since 1985.
He said he is happy the initiation season has opened.
“I can’t wait to welcome initiates and I’m expecting 600 boys. I’m happy I will be able to do what my ancestors used to do,” said Ramoadi.
To make sure initiates are safe, he said he will only allow those who are vaccinated.
“We will fumigate the area every three days. Those who get sick will be taken to a medical doctor or hospital and will be allowed to come back when they feel better,” he said.
Some boys told Daily Sun they couldn’t wait to become men.
“We have been waiting for this moment since 2020 and we are glad the time has finally arrived. I’m now going to become a man,” said Jomo Sithole (15).
Sidwell Maifo (16) said: “Everyone at home went to the mountain and I’m the only one left. I’m not afraid because government and the Health Department will be involved to make sure our lives are safe.”
