Limpopo's MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, addressed traditional surgeons, care givers, school principals and the media during an induction workshop held in Polokwane on 11 June, ahead of the province's initiation season.
Makamu said the department had approved 530 permits for initiation schools this year - down from 631 in 2023. The season will run from 23 June to 21 July.
He emphasised that no traditional surgeon may conduct rituals without a certificate of fitness issued by a registered medical practitioner as required by the Initiation Act. "Children must first be screened by the Department of Health before they attend traditional circumcision schools, to check that they do not go there with other diseases or illnesses," he said.
The MEC also warned that unregistered schools would not be tolerated and urged parents to verify schools with their traditional authorities.
Takalani Matumba, a traditional surgeon from Vhangani who began practising in 1978, welcomed the workshop and expressed hope for a safe season. "All senior traditional leaders who qualified for initiation school permits had attended the workshop," he said.
Makamu said the workshop aimed to brief stakeholders on the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and safe initiation period. "The workshop will go a long way in ensuring that Limpopo maintains a death-free initiation season," he said.
Last year, three deaths were recorded during the province's initiation season.