A total of 48 initiates have died during the 2025 summer initiation season, prompting urgent intervention from the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa. A high-level meeting was held on 5 January 2026 to address the crisis and review provincial oversight plans.
What Happened
Minister Hlabisa convened national, provincial and local leaders—including traditional authorities and government officials—to review death reports and strengthen interventions in affected areas. The Eastern Cape and Free State recorded the highest fatalities.
Key actions discussed:
- Intensified inspections and monitoring
- Shutdown of illegal initiation schools
- Additional resources to high-risk districts
- Rescue operations for at-risk initiates
- Cross-border investigations in Free State
The Eastern Cape reported high volumes of late pre-screenings in Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo districts, with Nyandeni Local Municipality flagged as a major concern.
Eastern Cape Interventions
Monitoring will continue until the end of January 2026, with a focus on:
- Illegal school closures
- Rescue centre support for removed initiates
- Enhanced coordination between SAPS, health services, traditional leaders, and municipalities
The Provincial Initiation Forum has committed to shutting down non-compliant schools and placing rescued initiates in safe care.
Free State Monitoring
Oversight in the Free State will remain in place until 11 January 2026. Authorities are focusing on:
- Graduation events still taking place
- Illegal initiation sites, especially along the Lesotho border
- Cross-border principals avoiding accountability
- Stock theft incidents linked to graduation ceremonies
Investigations are ongoing, with some arrests confirmed.
What’s Next
Minister Hlabisa called for heightened vigilance in all hotspot areas for the rest of the season. He urged families and elders to remain actively involved in safeguarding initiates.
“Customary initiation must be lawful, safe and community-led. We are committed to daily monitoring and decisive action until the season closes,” said the Minister.
