By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MOHALE’S HOEK – Stakeholders of cultural practices and initiation schools called for an increase of the minimum entry age to protect teenagers from initiation schools, amid growing concerns about their maturing awareness of the commitment.
These advocates argue that the current practice wherein teenagers undergo a manhood and womanhood rite of passage, fail to adequately safeguard Basotho’s long held cultural practices and norms.
These transpired during the public outreach exercise conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture which is conducting public hearings on the ‘Protection and Administration of Custom at Initiation School Bill, 2022’ and this, is supported by the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) SRHR and HIV Governance Project.
When enacted into law, this Bill, will protect and enhance the use and respect for the values enshrined in cultural heritage; teach customary values to Basotho for the benefit of present and future generations; prevent malpractices and criminal acts at Initiation schools or elsewhere and also facilitate collaboration between the Council and Government agencies and other public institutions, so as to ensure the incorporation of environmental and social development aspects that include community service in school programmes.
This Bill will repeal the Laws of Lerotholi, which administer cultural practices, particularly the provisions related to initiation schools and related practices.
Cultural enthusiast, Chief Toka Letsie of Mokanametsong, Quthing argued that teenagers are still not well matured to be exposed to traditional rites saying, “they are not ready for such.”
This Bill proposes the minimum age of 18 for one to undergo the initiation process.
Letsie cautioned against imposing age restrictions, saying that culture is sacred and should not be tampered with. While he did not propose a specific age for undergoing the rite of passage to manhood according to Basotho customs, he stated that such individuals should be responsible and mature enough to handle the teachings and instructions as per initiation schools.
He further suggested that Principal Chiefs, as custodians of culture, should themselves undergo initiation. According to Letsie, “an initiated person should be reformed and should not engage in criminal activities.”
This comes amid concerns about issues with their representatives.
The Ministry of Education and Training has also raised the concerns of students especially in high schools who abandon their studies to pursue initiation school, some of which do not return after completing the initiation process.
‘Maithabeleng Lehona of Mohale’s Hoek also expressed worry for underage girls who go to initiation school.
She said the initiation committees are inconsistent in application of the rules to ensure the protection during the initiation process as, “they are not vocal if the owner of the school is a rich person.” Lebona said however, they are vocal if the owner of the school is not “prominent and rich”.
The Bill also proposes that a principal instructor at an initiation school should be a person of exemplary character in a society and should be a law-abiding citizen and should be at least 40 years and above.
Meanwhile, there were differing opinions, with Tšepo Mohapi from the Likueneng Initiation Committee in Mohale’s Hoek stating that age is irrelevant – “what truly matters is how individuals comport themselves.” He added that their behavior can either uphold or tarnish the reputation of the initiation school.
According to this proposed piece of legislation, respect, discipline and patriotism are some of the customary values that this Bill aspires for their inculcation. “An initiated person shall be exemplary in society and a law abiding citizen.”
Representatives were also drawn from the Ministry of Health, Ministry and Education, Social Development, Principal Chiefs representatives and security agencies.
The public consultations have been held in Leribe, further covering the districts of Botha-Bothe and Berea. Upon completion, the stakeholders inputs will be consolidated into this Bill to make necessary amendments, then transmitted into the parliament to pass into law.
Director Culture, ‘Matšosane Molibeli highlighted the importance of involving the direct beneficiaries of this law prior to its official enactment, as it directly affects them.