Forty-eight boys passed away during summer initiation season, with Eastern Cape recording the highest deaths.
It happened during this summer’s initiation season, with the Eastern Cape and the Free State reporting the highest numbers of deaths.
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The Eastern Cape recorded 23 deaths while the Free State had 15 deaths this summer.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa held a high-level meeting to get updates on deaths during the 2025 summer initiation season.
He also looked at Eastern Cape and Free State, monitoring plans running until January 2026.
The meeting brought together ministers, deputy ministers, premiers, MECs, the Salga president, senior government officials, traditional leaders and reps from the National Initiation Oversight Committee and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees.
This followed the 23 December 2025 meeting with District Development Model champions and key partners to tackle the continued loss of lives during initiation seasons.
Hlabisa said 48 boys have died nationwide, with the Eastern Cape and Free State recording the most deaths.
“The Eastern Cape reported many late pre-screenings, particularly in Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani and OR Tambo districts. Nyandeni Local Municipality was identified as a key problem area.
“All identified districts will continue intensive monitoring until January 2026. Provincial departments and municipalities are providing extra resources,” said Hlabisa.
The minister said rescue operations will happen where illegal initiation schools are found.
The Provincial Initiation Forum has promised to close these schools and place rescued boys at rescue centres.
“In the Free State, provincial monitoring will continue until 11 January 2026. This focuses on graduation ceremonies and initiation schools still operating, with special attention on hotspot areas,” he said.
According to Hlabisa, the province raised new challenges about cross-border initiation school principals operating along the Lesotho border who avoid accountability.
There were also incidents of stock theft linked to graduation ceremonies.
“These matters are being investigated, with arrests already made. Both provinces presented monitoring and intervention plans.”
“These include intensive inspections, stronger coordination between traditional leadership, health services, police, municipalities and community structures.
“There’s also decisive action against illegal initiation schools and ongoing public awareness campaigns promoting safe and lawful customary initiation,” Hlabisa said.
He said the meeting stressed that successful initiation depends on coordinated action by all partners. This starts with families and elders, who play a key role in protecting boys.
“Traditional leaders and governments were recognised as critical partners in ensuring effective protection systems.”
Hlabisa called for increased vigilance and intensive monitoring in hotspot areas to prevent any more deaths.
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He stressed government’s commitment to continued coordination, daily monitoring and decisive action until the summer initiation season ends.
Preparations are also beginning for the upcoming winter season.
