For generations, the traditional boys’ initiation process has been a rite of passage into manhood – a sacred time when young men retreat into the mountains to be taught values, discipline and respect. But in recent years, this practice has been tainted by illegal initiation schools, which have become breeding grounds for gang activity, school violence and community intimidation.
In response, a Vaal-based organisation, Ditau Dia Rora, has stepped in to restore dignity and order. Originally founded in 1996 by Chief in Command Phehello “Fire” Mollo, the organisation was re-established in 2021 with a renewed mission to protect and preserve the tradition – while clamping down on criminal elements exploiting it.
Muntu “Stone” Kama, a leading member of Ditau Dia Rora, told Walkerville and Savanna City Times: “Our culture teaches discipline, not destruction. We are bringing back respect to initiation. Illegal schools are the universities of gang crime – and we are shutting them down.”
The group has made a visible impact across the Vaal Triangle. Not only do they enforce safety protocols during initiation season, but they also assist communities in recovering stolen goods – from hijacked vehicles to household furniture.
Recently, Ditau Dia Rora was alerted gang violence at Thetha Secondary School in Drieziek 4. Ground reports link the violence to illegal initiation schools and the prison-based “number” (inombolo) culture.
“We are heartbroken by what’s happening at Thetha we’ve engaged community leaders and law enforcement. Drieziek is now our priority and we’re calling on the juvenile justice system to act. Crime is crime – and it’s time criminals are held accountable,” Kama added.
Ditau Dia Rora remains committed to preserving tradition – the right way – while keeping communities, especially schools, safe from the growing shadow of gang violence.
Images cred: Mandla Tshatsha
