SARTHO advices initiation school operators to comply with government regulations

TSANTSABELA

The South African Rastafari and Traditional Healers Organisation (SARTHO), has advised initiation schools operators to comply with government regulations during the upcoming Initiation Schools Season, set to start from 23 June to 21 July 2025 across Limpopo Province.

The organisation issued the warning during a meeting held with its initiation schools’ operating members, convened at Kgoshi Lesoku Matlebejane Traditional Council in Tsantsabela Village outside Marble Hall on Sunday 15 June 2025.

The meeting aimed to address compliance issues and warn members who operate without permits or use one permit to operate more than one initiation school.

During the meeting, Dr Ratholo Phahlane, SARTHO Chairperson, emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations set by the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) and the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders.

“We are aware of traditional healers who defy the instructions of traditional leaders, and those members shall be reported to the authorities if found to be in violation of conditions set by the authorities,” he warned.

SARTHO General Secretary, Mamokwa “Hlabirwa” Walker, stressed during the meeting that no permit will be issued without the involvement of traditional authorities.

“Some of the traditional healers who operate outside the set time frame will face penalties,” he said.

Additionally, Kgoshi Lesoku Matlebejane, SARTHO Traditional Liaison Personnel, emphasized the importance of working together to preserve custom, culture, and heritage.

“As members and community leaders, we have an obligation to safeguard the interests of our children in line with our culture and custom,” he said.

He indicated that SARTHO does not issue permits or licenses to operate initiation schools and instead, initiation schools operators are advised to consult their local traditional authorities for permits.