Yesterday, 19 April 2022, The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde and Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, attended the first meeting of the Western Cape Provinicial Initiation Coordinating Committee to welcome the members and witness the election of the presiding officials.
Director: Arts and Culture, Jane Moleleki, welcomed all the members and provided a brief outline of their roles and responsibilities, as mandated by the Customary Initiation Act, 2021 (Act 2 of 2021). The committee must meet four times a year and must coordinate all initiation schools, practices and activities in the province. In addition to this, the committee must also keep comprehensive databases of each initiation school in the province and must also develop a manual relating to roles and responsibilities of those who are involved with the initiation processes in the province. The committee must also look at educational, health and safety aspects related to the initiation process.
Minister Marais thanked the members for taking up this important role in the province. “Initiation is a complex process and requires us working together. The Western Cape has maintained our track record of no fatalities during the last season and we want to continue this record. Thank you for being part of this very important committee.” she said.
Premier Winde, said: “It was a privilege to join Minister Marais at the Western Cape Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee (PICC) meeting today, which included the relevant stakeholders and leadership involved in cultural initiation in the province. This follows a commitment made by my cabinet, in terms of Section 30 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, to create socially inclusive communities, where the people of the Western Cape can freely and responsibly exercise their cultural rights.”
“As a Provincial Government, we recognise the important role that initiation schools play within the cultural heritage of our province. We must preserve cultural heritage, and do so safely, which is why we have put governance systems in place to ensure a safe rite of passage into responsible adulthood. The systems and resources applied to the provincial initiation programme have taken great strides and we will ensure that this continues,” added Premier Winde.
Premier Winde concluded: “I want to sincerely thank all who attended the PICC for taking part in and ensuring that we preserve this practice and its safety. We must continue to build and strengthen our current systems. As a Provincial Government, we also welcome and embrace the guidance of all custodians and practitioners. I wish you well for your tasks ahead and want to reassure you that the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Anroux Marais, and her Department will continue to work closely with you all.”
The committee members are: Nkosikazi Mhlauli, Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu, Clement Williams, Heinrich Magerman, Georlene Wolmarans, Anthony Moses, Stewart Taylor and Caroline Smart. During this first meeting, Anthony Moses was elected as chairperson, while Heinrich Magerman was elected as deputy chairperson.
Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais
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