The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has called on initiation school principals to comply with the ongoing registration of customary initiation schools, scheduled from 2nd to 10th February 2026.
The Department warned against non-compliance and reminded eligible principals to obtain a valid registration certificate issued by the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC).
“Customary initiation schools are not permitted to operate while formal schooling is still in session. Furthermore, each initiation principal may operate only one school per season, and no initiate may be admitted without a signed parental consent form,” the Department emphasized.
PICC Chairperson Kgosi Gasebone stressed the importance of complete and signed consent forms and urged all stakeholders—including municipalities, initiation nurses, and parents—to fully comply with legislative requirements.
Gasebone added that these measures aim to combat illegal initiation schools, safeguard the wellbeing of initiates, and uphold the dignity of schools during the 2026 Winter Initiation Season.
The warning comes in the wake of the 2025 Summer Initiation Season, during which 41 initiates died, with the Eastern Cape recording 22 of these fatalities.
Applicants are reminded that registration forms can be collected Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30, at the relevant Traditional Authorities offices across the province.
