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The Department of Health, in partnership with the Mbhashe Initiation Forum and the local municipality, will conduct training workshops for traditional surgeons and traditional nurses from 17 to 19 November 2025 across all municipal units. The sessions aim to promote safe and lawful initiation practices as the summer initiation season approaches.
What Happened
The upcoming workshops are part of a broader campaign to ensure health and safety compliance during traditional initiation ceremonies.
Officials said the program will focus on responsible surgical conduct, early detection of complications, and the proper care of initiates throughout the season.
The initiative aligns with the ongoing “MabayeBephilaBabuyeBephila” campaign, which emphasizes the importance of initiates returning home healthy and alive.
Official Response
A spokesperson for the Mbhashe Initiation Forum said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to cultural preservation and human safety.
“We are working together to ensure that tradition and safety coexist. Our goal is to reduce incidents and empower traditional leaders with updated health guidelines,” they said.
The Department of Health added that it will continue monitoring compliance throughout the season to ensure adherence to both cultural protocols and medical standards.
Community Impact
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, noting that training and awareness are vital to preventing avoidable injuries and deaths. Communities are encouraged to report unregistered initiation schools and ensure that all practitioners are licensed and trained.
The workshops are expected to strengthen trust between traditional institutions and health authorities, ensuring that cultural practices remain safe, dignified, and respected.
