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Male initiation custom will be permitted under strict conditions

Initiation
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The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has confirmed that the summer male initiation custom will be permitted, but under strict conditions.

The traditional rite of passage to manhood was suspended in March 2021 as the country moved to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The announcement follows a request by the House of Traditional Leaders for the summer initiation season to be permitted.

In this video below, Contralesa says it will go ahead with summer initiation schools:

COGTA deputy minister, Obed Bapela says they remain cautious.

“The minister of COGTA and the Minister of Health agreed that they will allow for the opening of the season but under severe conditions because the virus is still with us and there is a possible resurgence towards the end of November. We should be guided by that.”

“If it happens we might close it in parts of the country and if it means that it’s going to be in the Eastern Cape then it means that it’s not going to be possible but should it not resurgence we will then open for those who want to go.”

 

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