Traditional initiation schools remain suspended. The winter initiation season was called off when the coronavirus pandemic hit the country earlier this year.
As the country moved to level one of the lockdowns, there was a possibility that the rite of passage will again be allowed for the summer season. But the sharp rise of infections in the Eastern Cape has now stopped that move.
Yet another setback for families preparing to welcome their boys as men. There was hope that the custom could be practiced again this December.
But not everybody is adhering to the regulations. Some families went ahead as they planned. An initiation school between East London and King William’s Town was also closed down.
The father of an initiate Chuluphele Ngwabeni says postponing the rite of passage for his son was not an option.
“He is going to varsity next year I wanted him to go being a man l had saved so much money to see this happens,” he says.
The continued suspension of the initiation practice is done with the view to save lives and curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Buffalo City Initiation forum chairperson, Chief Stanley Makinana calls on families to be patient.
“We are calling for our (people) to exercise patience while the government is making considerations on the matter it is in their best interest.”
Provincial Cogta Spokesperson, Mamkeli Ngam, says there will be severe consequences for not adhering to the regulations.
“All those people who operate amabhoma are going to be arrested and they will have their days in court.”
The provincial government estimates that 40 000 boys were due to undergo the rite of passage during this summer season.
Report by Amanda Xhala & Abongile Jantjies
The post Initiation school remains officially closed under Level 1 appeared first on SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader..
Read more here:: Latest South Africa News
