The Department of Cogta Eastern Cape, working with the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, hosted an Advocacy Training Session for iingcibi and amakhankatha at Alex Golf Country Club in East London on 13 November 2025. The program focused on traditional practitioners from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Amathole District Municipality. The training formed part of efforts to reduce deaths and injuries during the 2025 summer initiation season.
What Happened?
Cogta EC continued its province-wide campaign aimed at promoting safe circumcision practices and strengthening compliance with initiation laws. Trainers engaged traditional surgeons and caregivers on medical standards, cultural protocols, and risk prevention.
Participants discussed common causes of fatalities, including dehydration, sepsis, and delayed medical intervention. They also received guidance on working closely with health departments during the initiation season.
The session drew strong participation, with practitioners emphasizing the need for cooperation between government, communities, and traditional structures.
Official Response
Cogta EC officials said the program is crucial for protecting initiates and preserving the cultural value of ulwaluko. “We want every young man to return home safely, Our work with traditional leaders makes sure this sacred rite of passage remains safe, lawful, and culturally respected,” an official said.
The House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing discipline among practitioners and removing unregistered or negligent individuals from the system.
Community Impact
The training aims to reduce deaths and injuries during the busy summer season. Parents and communities have welcomed the intervention, saying safer initiation practices restore dignity and trust in the tradition.
