The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, convened a high-level meeting last night, to receive updates on the deaths of 48 initiates recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season nationwide.
The department stated that the Minister is reviewing the current provincial monitoring plans in the Eastern Cape and Free State, which have recorded the highest number of deaths. This review is expected to continue until the end of January 2026.
This meeting brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of the Executive Councils (MECs), the President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), senior government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC) and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs).
The gathering follows previous discussions held with District Development Model (DDM) Champions and key stakeholders aimed at addressing the ongoing loss of lives during initiation seasons, which were highlighted in December of last year.
The department reported a high volume of late pre-screenings in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo District Municipalities. Nyandeni Local Municipality has been identified as a key area of concern.
“All identified districts will continue intensified monitoring until the end of January 2026, with provincial departments and municipalities providing additional resources. Rescue interventions will be implemented where illegal initiation schools are detected, and the Provincial Initiation Forum has committed to closing such schools and accommodating rescued initiates at designated rescue centres,” the department said.
In the Free State, provincial monitoring will continue until 11 January 2026, focusing on graduation ceremonies and initiation schools in operation, with particular attention to identified hotspot areas.
“The province raised emerging challenges related to cross-border initiation school principals operating along the Lesotho border who evade accountability, as well as incidents of stock theft linked to graduation ceremonies. These matters are under investigation, with arrests already effected.”
The department stated that both provinces have submitted monitoring and intervention plans. These plans include increased inspections, improved coordination among traditional leadership, health services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipalities, and community structures.
They also outline decisive actions against illegal initiation schools and ongoing public awareness campaigns that promote safe and lawful customary initiation practices.
“The meeting emphasised that the success of the initiation process depends on coordinated action by all stakeholders, beginning with families and elders, who play a primary role in safeguarding initiates. Traditional leaders and government were recognised as critical partners in ensuring effective protection systems.”
As government looks forward to the remaining days of the summer initiation season, Hlabisa has called for increased vigilance and intensified monitoring in hotspot areas to prevent any further loss of life.
The Minister emphasised the government's commitment to ongoing coordination, daily monitoring, and decisive action until the end of the summer initiation season, while also preparing for the upcoming winter season.
He thanked all officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their dedication and sacrifices over the festive period.
Hlabisa confirmed that a final stakeholder engagement will be convened to consolidate lessons learned and strengthen preventative measures in the future. – SAnews.gov.za
