In a rare and deeply symbolic gesture, former Limpopo Premier and current Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Stanley Chupu Mathabatha, is set to graduate today, July 18, 2025, from the Mathabatha Initiation School in Tjiane village—at the age of 68.
Mathabatha, a respected ANC veteran and community leader, joined hundreds of younger initiates at the traditional Komeng school near his homestead in Tooseng, Ga-Mphahlele, undergoing sacred rites of passage typically reserved for the youth. His participation is being widely praised as an act of humility, courage, and cultural reverence.
The Limpopo Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), led by Hosi Mudabula Chauke, confirmed his enrollment and highlighted that initiation schools are open to anyone over the age of 16, in line with the Customary Initiation Act. Special accommodations were made due to his medical needs, including a private tent and a tailored diet, but officials say he fully committed to the traditional process alongside fellow initiates.
“This proves that culture has no expiry date,” said Chauke. “Mathabatha’s commitment sends a powerful message about the enduring value of tradition—regardless of age or status.”
Sources close to the school revealed that Mathabatha’s decision was influenced by his royal heritage and a desire to reinforce his connection to ancestral customs, particularly as he prepares for more prominent roles in community leadership.
His graduation today is being hailed as a milestone not just for him personally, but for cultural preservation across generations. It’s a reminder that leadership is not just about power, but also about honoring one’s roots—boldly and respectfully.
