Gauteng's initiation body extends deadline for 2025 winter initiation school applications
The initial closing date for applications was January, now prospective initiation school principals have until next week to apply for a permit.
A picture taken on 20 November 2009 of young boys from the Xhosa tribe attending a traditional initiation school in Libode, Eastern Cape. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has extended the deadline for 2025’s winter initiation school applications.
Prospective initiation school principals have until next week to apply for a permit.
The initial closing date for applications was January.
However, the committee's spokesperson - Kiba Kekana - said due to slow replies the committee resolved to extend the closing date.
This comes after tragic incidents during the recent summer initiation season.
The coordinating committee, which regulates these initiation schools said the winter initiation season in the province commences from the 28 June 2025 until the 21 July 2025.
Kekana said this was to ensure that the initiation season does not interfere with the school calendar.
“This is in line with the customary initiation act which clearly indicates that initiation schools should not overlap with the school calendar.”
He added that all efforts were in place to prevent the loss of life and injuries during the upcoming winter initiation season.
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