Forced initiation robs school of potential top matric performer

TLEGO Tawana Secondary School principal Pogiso Tshipo in the North West was expecting matric pupil Onalenna Booi to be among the top achievers when the school releases its results next month. 

Instead, he is trying to navigate the news that the 19-year-old was found dead after he was allegedly forcefully taken to an initiation school. 

Booi, from Ditlhakong East Village, near Mafikeng, was taken to the initiation school after writing his matric examinations in late November. 

It has been reported that his family was unaware of his whereabouts. 

He was found dead on December 26, 2025, after a case of a missing person was reported to the police.

Expressing his sadness, Tshipo said he was expecting a bachelor's pass from the deceased learner. 

“As the school principal for this learner, I am extremely devastated by this sad news. I know that he was one of the hard-working groups of learners. I remember that I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations," said Tshipo. 

“He was naughty just like all the learners, but when he started grade 12, his behaviour drastically changed. You could see that this was a learner who was hungry and determined to perform well in his grade 12 class. At our school, I had 59 grade 12 learners. Next year, I will be releasing the results to only 58 learners. I don’t even know how we are going to handle this process at the school.”

North West MEC for Education, Vela Motsumi, has called on police to get to the bottom of what led to Booi's death.  

“I hereby wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the entire family and the school community of Tlego Tawana Secondary School. It is really sad to receive such news while we, as a country, are awaiting the results of the class of 2025. 

“I am confident that the South African Police Service will be able to get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will ensure that the family, learners, and teachers are provided with psychological support during this difficult period," Motsumi said.  

Minister of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, recently convened a high-level meeting with various stakeholders, including ministers, deputy ministers, premiers, and MECs who are District Development Model (DDM) Champions, to deliberate on the continued deaths and the serious challenges associated with  traditional initiation across the country. 

The meeting was in response to the deaths of 36 young in initiation schools across the country. The Eastern Cape reported 20 deaths, followed by the Free State with 13. Gauteng reported two fatalities, while North West had one. 

“Despite sustained advocacy and educational campaigns conducted by the government and its partners, the tragic loss of initiates continues to persist. In response, it was noted that law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts, resulting in over 40 arrests related to initiation-related offences during the current season, particularly in the Eastern Cape,” read the statement.

Hlabisa emphasised that while initiation remains an important and respected cultural practice, it must never endanger lives. He said that decisive action, accountability and cooperation across all sectors of society are non-negotiable in addressing this crisis.

Cape Times