Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, has called on all members of society, parents, community elders, traditional leaders, and young people to join forces in protecting the tradition of ulwaluko (male initiation) and ensuring it is practised safely and responsibly.
Williams made this appeal during a men’s gathering held at the Nyandeni Great Place, where the focus was on addressing serious challenges facing the tradition, especially in the OR Tambo region.
The gathering was organised in partnership with the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. It followed visits by the MEC and the OR Tambo Initiation Forum to several initiation schools during the recent winter season. These visits revealed a number of concerns, including the tragic deaths of initiates, the circumcision of under age boys, and the abuse of substances like drugs and alcohol.
“This is a critical time for all of us to stand together with pride and protect this tradition,” said MEC Williams. “Ulwaluko is not only a cultural matter—it’s a shared responsibility. Government will play its part, but the success of this work depends on collective effort.”
The imbizo was attended by several monarchs including King Ndlovuyezwe kaNdamase of Nyandeni, King Zwelozuko Matiwane of the AmaMpondomise, and King Daluxolo Sigcau of Qawukeni. All three leaders expressed strong support for improving the way initiation is conducted and for strengthening systems that monitor initiation schools.
The provincial government has committed to ongoing collaboration with municipalities, private partners and community structures to preserve this cultural practice while ensuring that the lives of young boys are protected.
As the summer initiation season approaches, the province is urging all stakeholders to treat ulwaluko not just as a rite of passage, but as a vital duty that demands care, respect and vigilance.
