Number of deaths at initiation schools a national crisis: Bapela

The number of deaths at initiation schools showed a “national crisis looming before our eyes”‚ deputy co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Obed Bapela said on Monday.

He said that the current national death toll stood at 16 showed a need for “all stakeholders to work together in preserving our cultural heritage from being hijacked by criminals”.

A statement from his office condemned the “irresponsible people who operate illegal initiation schools with no regard for the law and safety of the children‚ but were motivated by greed for money”.

Fourteen of the deaths were recorded in the Eastern Cape — OR Tambo District seven‚ Chris Hani District four‚ Alfred Nzo one‚ Qumbu two – while Limpopo and Mpumalanga has reported one death each.

Cause for commendation‚ however‚ the “fast intervention” of Gauteng social development MEC Faith Mazibuko who‚ together with members of the Meadowlands Zone 7 community‚ rescued about 19 boys from an illegal school” on Friday.

“The youngest was 11 and had been abducted by unscrupulous criminals that also intended to extort money from unsuspecting parents for the safe passage of the young boys‚” Bapela’s office said.

“The rescued boys were physically abused and starved for two weeks whilst some were scarred with hot soft porridge‚” said Mazibuko.

Gauteng has‚ since the start of 2015 initiation season on June 20‚ shut down 22 illegal schools and rescued 89 initiates.

Bapela was concerned by the challenge presented by parents who “are not willing to open criminal cases of kidnapping for their children’ it is sad that they are willing to pay the money to release them”.