The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will officially launch the winter customary initiation season for 2025.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs emphasised that this important cultural practice, which signifies the transition to adulthood, has encountered challenges in the past due to unregulated initiation schools and related fatalities.
In response to these issues, the government enacted the Customary Initiation Act of 2021 to ensure safer practices.
This year’s season will launch under the theme: “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila,” calling for the safety and well-being of all initiates.
Hlabisa will detail the extensive preparations and important measures undertaken by government and traditional leaders to ensure that the initiation process remains a safe, dignified, and culturally significant tradition.
Friday’s launch will be attended by key stakeholders, including the Cabinet Minister, the Deputy Ministers of CoGTA, the MECs of CoGTA, members of the Kings and Queens Forums, representatives from the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee, as well as officials from law enforcement and the health sector.
The launch will take place at the Premier’s Auditorium, OR Tambo Building in Bloemfontein, Free State. -SAnews.gov.za
