MEC BASIKOPO MAKAMU: PROTECTING CULTURE, SAVING LIVES UNDER PREMIER DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA

Mpho Dube
5 days ago
3 min read

Flowers to a leader who balances tradition with accountability in the 2026 Initiation Season

Limpopo MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr Basikopo Makamu, during a meeting with traditional leaders. Under Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the MEC is driving collaboration between government and traditional institutions to strengthen governance and service delivery across Limpopo. #MECMakamu #CoGHSTA #LimpopoGovernment #TheAzanian

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

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LIMPOPO – In the 7th Administration of Limpopo, under the steady leadership of Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, one MEC is proving that government can respect culture while protecting lives.

Limpopo MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mr Basikopo Makamu, has emerged as the face of responsible governance during the 2026 Initiation Season. His work shows what happens when tradition is honored, the law is enforced, and communities are put first.

The initiation season is sacred in Limpopo. It is a rite of passage that shapes young men and women into responsible community members. But it must also be safe.

MEC Makamu expressed deep sadness over the loss of two initiates in Mopani and Sekhukhune districts this season. One 12-year-old boy passed away after falling ill at a registered school in Nondweni. The second, a young man who was already receiving cancer treatment, died in hospital after complications.

“Experiencing loss of life, despite these preparations, is sad and deeply concerning,” MEC Makamu said. “Every effort must be made to prevent further deaths.”

True to his word, the MEC immediately moved to strengthen oversight. Working with the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee, the Department of Health, Education and SAPS, he led joint operations to ensure compliance across the province.

Under MEC Makamu’s direction, CoGHSTA took decisive action against illegal initiation schools that put lives at risk.

In the Modjadji area, authorities shut down 13 illegal schools that were operating despite having their permits withdrawn. 573 initiates were found and safely transferred. In Maruleng, two more illegal schools were closed and 11 initiates moved to legal, registered schools. Two suspects were arrested.

This is what proactive leadership looks like. Not waiting for tragedy, but preventing it. MEC Makamu urged all parents to verify that schools have valid permits, that initiates undergo medical examinations, and that consent forms are signed. His message is clear: culture must be practiced safely and within the law.

Despite the challenges, the 2026 season is ending on a high note. On 18 July 2026, MEC Makamu will preside over the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 Initiation School Season at Xigalo Village in Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

The ceremony will celebrate initiates from the 771 schools approved by the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee. Since beginning their sacred journey on 19 June, these young people will now return to their families and communities as men and women.

This milestone is a testament to the collective effort of traditional leaders, government, parents and communities. It is also a reflection of the direction set by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, whose administration has prioritized both cultural preservation and public safety.

In a province as diverse as Limpopo, balancing tradition, law and service delivery is not easy. Yet under Premier Ramathuba’s leadership, MEC Makamu is getting it right.

From coordinating the District Development Model in Sekhukhune to ensuring safer initiation schools across the province, he is showing up. He is listening to traditional leaders. He is working with national departments. He is holding municipalities accountable.

“Building a capable, responsive and developmental state requires all spheres of government to work as one,” MEC Makamu said. That is exactly what he is doing.

For protecting our culture, for enforcing the law, and for ensuring that no child is lost unnecessarily, flowers to MEC Basikopo Makamu. Limpopo sees the work. Limpopo appreciates the work.

As the province prepares to welcome initiates home, the message from the Ramathuba Administration is clear. We respect our heritage. We protect our children. We deliver services with dignity.

Under Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and with MEC Basikopo Makamu at the helm of CoGHSTA, Limpopo is proving that development is about people, culture and safety. All at once.