The 2026 winter customary initiation season has claimed the lives of 35 young men, prompting Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to call for greater collaboration between government, families and traditional leaders.
According to preliminary reports from Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, the death toll represents only part of a troubling picture. Authorities have also recorded 12 abductions, opened 150 criminal cases, and made 40 arrests related to illegal initiation activities.
Law enforcement agencies discovered 58 illegal initiation schools operating across the country. Of these, 42 have been shut down, resulting in the rescue of 180 initiates. A further 75 young men remain hospitalised, whilst three assault cases and one injury have been reported.
“These figures are deeply concerning and serve as a reminder that much more must be done collectively to eliminate preventable deaths, injuries and criminal activities associated with customary initiation,” Hlabisa said.
The minister extended his condolences to families who have lost their sons and wished a speedy recovery to those injured or hospitalised.
Shared responsibility
Hlabisa emphasised that protecting initiates requires cooperation from all sectors of society, not just government intervention.
“Government alone cannot eliminate these tragedies. Success depends on stronger collaboration between families, traditional leaders, communities, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, municipalities, educators and all stakeholders,” the minister said.
He placed particular emphasis on parental responsibility, urging parents and guardians to verify that initiation schools are legally registered and that traditional surgeons and nurses are properly authorised before sending their children.
“Parents should remain actively involved throughout the initiation process and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the relevant authorities. Parental neglect and the failure to verify the legitimacy of initiation schools place young lives at unnecessary risk,” Hlabisa warned.
Criminal consequences
The minister condemned the continued operation of illegal initiation schools, which he said undermine the integrity of the cultural practice and are responsible for many deaths, injuries and abuses.
Those who establish, facilitate or participate in illegal initiation schools face criminal prosecution under the Customary Initiation Act, which provides a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the practice.
The act requires registration of all initiation schools, establishes provincial coordinating committees, and provides for inspections and enforcement measures against violators.
Hlabisa commended the work of provincial committees, traditional leaders, the South African Police Service, provincial departments, municipalities and emergency medical services for their monitoring and enforcement efforts.
“These coordinated efforts have resulted in the closure of illegal schools, the rescue of initiates and the arrest of offenders, demonstrating the value of a united, multi-sectoral response,” he said.
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Balancing tradition and safety
The minister stressed that respect for cultural traditions must align with constitutional rights to life, dignity and safety.
“Respect for tradition must go hand in hand with respect for the law and every initiate’s constitutional rights. Government remains committed to working with traditional leaders, families, communities and all stakeholders to achieve zero deaths, zero injuries and zero illegal initiation schools,” Hlabisa said.
Customary initiation marks the transition from boyhood to manhood and remains a respected cultural practice in many South African communities. However, unregulated schools and unqualified practitioners have led to recurring tragedies during initiation seasons.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will continue working with provincial committees and stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and public awareness throughout the remainder of the winter initiation season.
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