THE initiation season is nearing its end in Limpopo and the provincial house of traditional leaders has expressed satisfaction that schools in this area have not experienced any mishaps.

The initiation schools are scheduled to close next week.

Apart from a few incidents of people being forced into schools against their will, the house said things were running smoothly and they hoped the situation remained the same until the last day.

"We are satisfied with the manner in which the authorities at various initiation schools have conducted themselves so far and wish that there will be no life lost at the end of the initiation season," said Hosi Eric Chauke, deputy provincial chairman of the house.

He said all 314 schools had permits and those running the schools were cooperating with the house in terms of adhering to policy.

"We do not anticipate any further challenges until all schools have closed," Chauke said. "We call on traditional leaders who have been permitted to operate the schools to ensure they wrap up their businesses before the normal academic schools reopen."

Last year the province recorded two deaths and Chauke said a repeat of those deaths would be a blow to the image of the province's initiation schools. - frankm@sowetan.co.za