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On 3 November 2025, the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) intensified its efforts to promote safe and dignified initiation practices. The department trained Traditional Surgeons (Iingcibi) and Traditional Nurses (Amakhankatha) in the Alfred Nzo and O.R. Tambo Districts.
What Happened
The training focused on health, safety, and legal awareness ahead of the 2025 Summer Initiation Season. Practitioners learned about early detection of complications, proper care, and referral to health facilities, all aimed at reducing initiation-related deaths.
Speakers stressed that cultural preservation and safety had to go together. Traditional leaders said empowering Iingcibi and Amakhankatha helped protect initiates while strengthening community pride.
Expert Input
Asanda Ngxafana from the National Prosecuting Authority unpacked the Customary Initiation Act No. 2 of 2021, explaining the law’s oversight and coordination role. Dr. Mthembeni Tebelele, a medical practitioner and trainer, praised the sessions for linking traditional wisdom with medical best practice. “This approach kept initiation both culturally grounded and health conscious,” Dr. Tebelele said.
Community Dialogue
Meanwhile, CoGTA hosted a Men’s Imbizo at Lusikisiki College in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality to encourage open dialogue on safe initiation and the preservation of cultural integrity.
