Why former premier Mathabatha needed 'to go to the mountain'

The deputy minister is expected to graduate from initiation school on Mandela Day

- By Nakampe Lekwadu

Former Limpopo premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha will finally become a man at the age of 68 on July 18.

The deputy minister of land reform and rural development enrolled at an initiation school known as Komeng ya Mathabatha in Tjiane village for his journey into manhood and is expected to be out on Friday.

A source associated with the school near Lebowakgomo has already promised that Mathabatha's status will not accord him any special treatment. The former premier will be required to mingle with other initiates as per custom.

The deputy minister, who is also the chairperson of the ANC in Limpopo, registered last Friday, a week after more than 500 initiates had already checked in.

Sources close to Mathabatha disclosed to Sunday World that his decision to undergo this rite of passage was significantly influenced by his royal lineage, as he is soon expected to assume various leadership roles.

“It was imperative for him to attend initiation school, something he ought to have undertaken long ago.