The death toll from the 2026 winter customary initiation season has risen to 51, with authorities reporting eight additional fatalities since Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa’s appeal for stronger collaboration last week.
Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape hardest hit
Updated figures from Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees show Mpumalanga continues to record the highest number of deaths at 21, followed by the Eastern Cape with 17. Limpopo has reported five deaths, whilst North West and the Free State have each recorded four fatalities. Gauteng has reported two deaths.
The Eastern Cape recorded three new deaths over the past four days, with Mpumalanga adding two more fatalities. Limpopo, North West and the Free State each reported one additional death.
Authorities close 51 illegal schools, make 52 arrests
Law enforcement agencies have opened 178 criminal cases since the season began, resulting in 52 arrests. Authorities have identified 67 illegal initiation schools, closing 51 of them. A further 14 abductions have been reported, bringing the total number of rescued initiates to 203.
Health officials have hospitalised 89 initiates, whilst authorities have recorded five assault cases and three injury incidents.
Provincial departments and traditional leaders have intensified monitoring and inspection operations across all affected provinces. The South African Police Service has deployed additional officers to rural areas where illegal initiation schools continue to operate.
Eastern Cape COGTA spokesperson Mamnkeli Ngam said provincial authorities are working around the clock to shut down unregistered schools and hold those responsible accountable.
“We are conducting daily inspections and responding immediately to reports from communities. The safety of our young people is not negotiable,” Ngam said.
The Customary Initiation Act requires all initiation schools to register with provincial authorities and ensures traditional surgeons and traditional nurses are properly authorised. The Act provides for inspections, oversight and enforcement measures against those who violate its provisions.
Traditional leaders demand action
Traditional leaders in Mpumalanga have called an urgent meeting with provincial authorities to address the rising death toll in the province. Inkosi Mthunzi Ngubane from the province’s Traditional Leadership Council said the deaths are unacceptable.
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“Our culture demands that we protect those who undergo this sacred practice. Those who operate illegal schools and endanger lives are not honouring our traditions,” Ngubane said.
Parents urged to verify school registration
Parents and guardians are urged to verify that initiation schools are legally registered and to remain actively involved throughout the process. Suspicious or illegal activities should be reported to local authorities or the SAPS immediately.
The winter initiation season typically runs from June to August across South Africa’s provinces.
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