The decision by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) to address ongoing challenges at initiation schools has been welcomed by community activist Thomas Goreseb-Maseko, who has been advocating on behalf of the family of missing initiate Ntando Ngozo.
Maseko said the Commission’s planned intervention follows months of engagement with government departments, constitutional institutions and oversight bodies, where he called for stronger action to improve the safety, accountability and oversight of initiation schools across South Africa.
The Commission is expected to hold an urgent media briefing to address persistent concerns surrounding initiation schools, including deaths, violence, amputations and other incidents that continue to place initiates at risk.
According to Maseko, the briefing is also expected to include a significant announcement on the Commission’s planned interventions in the disappearance of Ntando Ngozo, a development he believes could mark a turning point in the family’s search for answers.
“This is an important and encouraging step. It demonstrates that the concerns raised by affected families, communities and civil society are receiving the attention they deserve at the highest levels of oversight. I remain hopeful that this marks the beginning of a stronger and more coordinated national response, not only in Ntando Ngozo’s case but also in addressing the broader challenges facing initiation schools,” said Maseko.
While welcoming the Commission’s intervention, Maseko said he could not disclose further details regarding ongoing engagements and investigations, stressing that it was important to allow the relevant authorities to communicate their planned course of action without compromising any processes.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ngozo family until Ntando is found and to continuing his campaign for reforms that ensure initiation schools uphold both cultural traditions and the constitutional rights to life, dignity and security of every initiate.
