A community-led petition calling for the suspension of initiation schools across the Vaal has surpassed 5,000 verified signatures, intensifying pressure on authorities to act in the disappearance of 17-year-old Ntando Ngozo.
Ntando was last seen on 18 December 2025 while on his way to an initiation school in Poortjie. Despite ongoing search efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS), including ground teams, drones, and water units, no breakthrough has been made and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The growing number of petition signatories reflects widespread concern and frustration within the community, with many demanding urgent intervention and accountability from government and cultural oversight bodies.
The developments come as the Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) recently visited Ntando’s mother and formally acknowledged the case. During the visit, the committee apologised to the family for the delay in engaging them, having only done so three months after Ntando’s disappearance.
In its communication, the PICC confirmed that the matter had been escalated and brought to its attention, and that it had since engaged SAPS, stressing the urgency of the investigation. The committee indicated that an investigating officer has been appointed and that updates will be communicated through that officer. It also offered counselling support to the family during this period.
Community activist and petition initiator, Thomas Goreseb-Maseko, criticised the handling of the case by the PICC.
“I’m very disappointed in the way the Gauteng PICC handled this whole case, especially given that they are a structure established to monitor initiation schools. When I first engaged them, they told me this is a SAPS matter. Now, because Parliament wants answers, they are only supporting the family and assisting with the investigation.”
He added that the petition milestone represents more than just numbers.
“More than 5,000 people have come together to say enough is enough. We respect culture and tradition, but we will never accept practices that put the lives of our children at risk. This is about justice for Ntando and safety for every young person.”
The petition calls for the immediate suspension of all initiation schools in the Vaal region, intensified investigations into Ntando’s disappearance, and greater transparency and accountability from institutions such as the SAPS, the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the CRL Commission.
It also urges the implementation of stricter safety and monitoring measures before initiation schools are allowed to operate again.
Goreseb-Maseko said the campaign will continue to gain momentum until answers are found.
“We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. We will not stop until Ntando is found.”
Community members are encouraged to continue signing and sharing the petition as calls for justice grow louder.
