Applications Open for Summer Initiation Season in Gauteng
Archive photo by Mkhuseli Sizani (GroundUp)
The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has officially opened the application process for the 2024 Summer Initiation season.
Prospective principals of customary initiation schools are invited to apply for permits to operate during this period, with applications being accepted for both male and female initiation schools.
The application process and the practice of initiation will be strictly governed by the Customary Initiation Act (CIA), Act No. 2 of 2021, ensuring the safety and well-being of initiates. The PICC has outlined a three-phase application process, which will be conducted across the five regions of Gauteng:
- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
- Sedibeng District Municipality
- City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
- West Rand District Municipality
Phase 1: Applications
- Opening Date: 1st August 2024
- Closing Date: 31st August 2024
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed forms, which are available for both school-going and non-school-going age groups.
These forms can be obtained free of charge from CoGTA offices at 30 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg, or any municipal offices in the aforementioned regions.
The PICC will also conduct workshops across all five regions to assist with the completion of these forms and to explain other registration requirements.
The dates for these workshops will be announced soon.
Phase 2: Approval of Applications
- Issuing of Certificates and Letters: 11th September 2024
- Publication of Registered Initiation Schools: 12th September 2024
Phase 3: Conducting Initiation Schools
- Dates: 12th December 2024 to 14th January 2025
In accordance with section 27(1) of the CIA, initiation schools must align with the provincial school holidays to prevent any overlap with official school terms.
Consequently, the 2024 Summer customary initiation season in Gauteng will take place from 12th December 2024 to 14th January 2025.