Mother of boy who died in initiation school fire didn't know he was there

The Herald

6 days ago

Matsebatlela said her son was initially admitted to Letaba hospital, but due to the severity of his wounds, he was taken to a private facility in Tzaneen. He was later transferred to Barberton hospital where he died on Tuesday.
'While I was doing all the runaround alone, seeking medical attention for my son, the department [of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta)] was nowhere to be found. Even after the incident, there is still no communication from relevant authorities, let alone psychosocial support,' she said.
Matsebatlela said 'the principal of the initiation school never bothered to contact me, and to this day, he never said anything'.
Limpopo Cogta spokesperson Amos Phago said: 'The initiation school was legal. If that was not the case, the department wouldn't be running around trying to intervene.'
Another initiate, Raymond Sekele, 19, died at Philadelphia hospital in the Sekhukhune district on Sunday. It is understood that Sekele was receiving medical treatment for epilepsy during his admission at an initiation school in Dennilton, outside Groblersdal.
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said it was heartbreaking that such promising young lives had been cut short.
'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all initiates attending these schools are protected and safe. We call upon all individuals entrusted with the oversight of these young men to exercise utmost vigilance,' she said.
Meanwhile, Cogta MEC Basikopo Makamu said the department has urged all traditional leaders and school operators to enforce safety regulations diligently to prevent similar tragedies.
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