Over 20 Boys Rescued From Illegal Initiation Schools in Vaal and Westonaria
More than 20 boys have been rescued from illegal initiation schools operating in the Vaal and Westonaria since Friday, according to the Sedibeng Committee of Initiation Schools.
The committee launched the rescue operation, with support from the police, after several families reported their children missing shortly after the initiation season opened last week.
According to Kaya959, many of the boys, aged between 13 and 15, were allegedly taken without their families’ consent. Several illegal schools have since been shut down.
Also Read: Eleven Boys Die, 51 Hospitalised During Winter Initiation Season in Eastern Cape
Illegal Schools Operating in Louisrus and Rietkuil
Committee Chairperson Radikeledi Letuma confirmed that illegal initiation sites in Louisrus and Rietkuil were closed during the crackdown.
Some families told the committee they could not afford the initiation fees, prompting illegal operators to take their children by force or deception.
Under the Customary Initiation Act of 2021, no child under the age of 16 is permitted to attend an initiation school, making the enrolment of younger boys unlawful.
Authorities Vow Continued Crackdown
Letuma said the committee will continue its operations throughout the season to protect young boys from unregistered and dangerous initiation practices.
The crackdown is expected to widen as the winter initiation period — traditionally observed in June and December — progresses.
Government Warns Against Bogus Initiation Camps
The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has previously emphasised that initiation is a sacred cultural rite of passage marking the transition into adulthood.
However, the department has warned that bogus or illegal initiation schools will not be tolerated.
COGTA added that anyone running unregistered schools will face prosecution and the full might of the law, in line with national regulations.