Five initiates have lost their lives in the Eastern Cape this summer season.
The regions that recorded deaths are Chris Hani District (two deaths), OR Tambo District (two deaths), and Buffalo City (one death).
ALSO READ | Police arrest Eastern Cape man after raping an initiate
The season runs from late November 2025 until the end of January 2026.
Already, hundreds of young initiates have begun this sacred passage, embarking on a journey in the hope of returning home transformed, grounded, and ready to take on the responsibilities of young manhood.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has raised serious concerns about the initiates’ deaths in the province.
Despite the ongoing appeals for vigilance and full compliance with the Customary Initiation Act, the Eastern Cape has already recorded five tragic deaths.
Hlabisa said this was a stark and painful reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
The minister cautioned that if these early warning signs are not met with unwavering resolve and urgent intervention, the situation could deepen into a rapid and dangerous crisis, one that could claim even more precious lives.
“Shut down immediately. Illegal initiation schools are criminal, unsafe, and deadly. The government will not tolerate the reckless endangerment of children.
“It’s commendable that the Eastern Cape has already made 21 arrests linked to illegal initiation activities. This must continue, and other provinces must show the same level of resolve,” said Hlabisa.
He said parents, caregivers, and communities must step up and take full responsibility in protecting the young initiates entrusted to their care.
“Initiation is more than a cultural tradition. It’s a collective duty that demands vigilance, care, and active participation from everyone.”
He urged communities, including households without male figures who can monitor initiates regularly, to provide consistent guidance, support, and protection throughout this sacred journey.
Hlabisa emphasised that South Africa cannot allow a repeat of previous seasons marked by multiple tragedies.
“The government’s stance is clear and uncompromising: one life lost is one too many. Mabaye bephila, babuya bephila.”
“Every initiate must be guaranteed a safe return home, transformed, and prepared to embrace the responsibilities of manhood.”
The minister called on the National Initiation Oversight Committee and all Provincial Initiation Oversight Committees (PIOC) to intensify their oversight and coordination efforts.
“These committees must lead comprehensive multi-sectoral teams, including municipalities, the Departments of Health, Social Development, and Education, the South African Police Service, community elders, and NGOs, to monitor, guide, and intervene where risks arise. Negligence or inaction cannot be tolerated.
“Families, communities, and authorities alike must act decisively to ensure that every young man emerges from initiation alive, protected, and honoured.”
“Unannounced inspections of initiation schools, particularly in high-risk areas, will be part of a rigorous crackdown on unsafe practices and non-compliance,” said Hlabisa.
He called on all South Africans to remain vigilant, engaged, and proactive.
“The lives of our children are priceless. We cannot claim to uphold culture while allowing preventable tragedies to occur. This season must not spiral into a crisis.
ALSO READ | Fake initiation schools claims five lives
“We possess both the power and the responsibility to alter its course, and we must act decisively,” added the minister.
Where required, Hlabisa will visit affected provinces and municipalities to support local interventions and oversight efforts.
