MEC Molapisi congratulated hundreds of initiates as the 2026 Winter Initiation Season concludes

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, has congratulated hundreds of initiates who successfully completed their sacred rite of passage on Friday, marking the official conclusion of the 2026 Winter Initiation Season.

The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) approved and registered 151 initiation schools—comprising 126 male and 25 female schools—to facilitate this long-standing cultural practice, which serves as an important transition of young men and women into adulthood.

"We once again commend the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee for the successful conclusion of another initiation season. The Committee continues to safeguard this important cultural practice against individuals who refuse to comply with the law and seek to commercialise a sacred tradition for personal gain. We are encouraged that hundreds of initiates have returned home safely to their families," said MEC Molapisi.

The successful conclusion of the season was achieved despite several challenges encountered during monitoring operations. A total of 18 illegal initiation schools were shut down, while more than 200 initiates were rescued and removed from unsafe environments. In addition, 18 criminal cases relating to alleged contraventions of the Customary Initiation Act were opened at various police stations across the province.

Regrettably, six initiation-related fatalities were recorded during the season. This includes two deaths at illegal initiation schools in Khuma Township near Klerksdorp and Majemantsho Village near Mahikeng, respectively, as well as four deaths at legally registered initiation schools across the province.

MEC Molapisi extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the six initiates who lost their lives and reiterated government's commitment to strengthening measures aimed at preventing further loss of life.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of these six young lives. Our commitment to achieving zero initiation-related deaths remains unwavering. Together with all stakeholders, we will strengthen our monitoring, enforcement and awareness initiatives to ensure that every initiation season is safer than the last.

"We also call upon the National Prosecuting Authority to support efforts to eradicate illegal initiation schools by ensuring the successful prosecution and conviction of repeat offenders. Those who continue to undermine this sacred cultural practice through unlawful activities must face the full might of the law," said MEC Molapisi.

The MEC further called on all stakeholders, particularly parents, community members, traditional leaders and initiation practitioners, to play an active role in protecting initiates. He urged communities to participate in awareness campaigns, ensure that initiation schools are properly registered, encourage medical screening of prospective initiates, publicise approved initiation schools and promptly report any suspected illegal initiation activities to the relevant authorities.

Wolmaransstad Link proud partner of Learners Classroom Wolmaransstad

To book a Learners Driver spot, contact them on: 072 303 1918 or visit them at: Rood Street NR 9 Wolmaransstad 2630

Updated: August 2026

#WolmaransstadLinkNews

The High Court has dismissed Sarah Nkatlo's application challenging her removal as Speaker from office

The High Court has dismissed former Maquassi Hills Local Municipality Speaker, Sarah Nkatlo's application challenging the council's majority decision to remove her through a Motion of No Confidence The court has also ordered each party to pay its own legal costs, meaning Sarah Nkatlo who says she is "the legitimate speaker" of Maquassi Hills has been responsible for paying her own legal fees The African National Congress member in Maquassi Hills, Sarah Nkatlo says she is still the current Council Speaker while Tshireletso Malebatsane is acting Nkatlo said, currently there are two Council Speakers in Maquassi Hills, her as the legitimate Speaker and Malebatsane as illegitimate Speaker. She says Tshireletso Malebatsane is illegitimately acting as Speaker of the Council She said, she has never been told to step down or step aside as the Speaker of the Coucil of Maquassi Hills, she says the problem began in mid-April when councillors decided...

Maquassi Hills among municipalities that had Equitable Share withheld once again

Maquassi Hills is among 11 other municipalities in the North West that had it's July Equitable Share Funding withheld by the National Treasury According to the department, the move is aimed at ensuring public money is properly managed It also seeks to curb unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, while holding municipal office-bearers accountable where required by law Maquassi Hills Municipality has been dealing with various cases of irregular and wasteful expenditure, unable to account for financial mismanagement in recent years. The municipality has been financially constraint failing to cover other financial expenses of service providers such as Magalies Water Board and others The municipality has also failed to provide residents with services such as water citing financial difficulties The municipality has been delivering water to various community areas through tankering The Treasury says, this move to withhold the...

Maquassi Hills Council met with SCOPA committee again to account

Maquassi Hills Council went back to meet with the North West Provincial Legislature's SCOPA committee to account on the 2024/25 financial year audit outcomes and implementation of the post audit action on Tuesday, 07 July 2026 The council was thrown out the meeting for failing to deliver the required financial report and to report on the progress of the municipality The African National Congress (ANC) member, Sarah Nkatlo who says she is still the legitimate Speaker of the Council, confirmed that they went to the North West Provicial Legislature's SCOPA meeting unprepared "Honestly Speaking went to the meeting unprepared and the report we had, wasn't the one the committee asked for" - Sarah Nkatlo The council was sent home to make thorough preparations that will allow them to account on how public funds were used in provision of service delivery within the municipality The municipality has been battling maladministration ...

Pastor and accomplice appeared in court for alleged tender fraud after arrests in Wolmaransstad, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng

Wolmaransstad - Three suspects saw court over alleged tender fraud. It is alleged that the owner of a construction company was lured to Mmabatho in Mahikeng with promises of securing a tender to install solar geysers The complainant reportedly met with the suspects, who allegedly posed as officials from a tender committee and the Department of Public Works. During the meeting, they demanded undue gratification from the complainant in exchange for securing the tender The complainant made payments into the suspects’ bank accounts, but later became suspicious and reported the matter to the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit Three suspects were traced and arrested in Potchefstroom, Wolmaransstad, Mahikeng, and Mmabatho Dingaan David Seabe (57), who is also a well known pastor in Mahikeng, Ernest Thabang Phillips (47), and Wakgale Johannes Mosiane (39) have been charged with tender fraud and appeared before court The accused were remanded...

Search This Blog