Winter initiation death toll hits 35, while 75 have been hospitalised
Thirty-five young men who attended traditional initiation schools to undergo a cultural rite of passage into manhood died during the 2026 winter initiation season, while 75 initiates have been hospitalised.
The deaths were confirmed by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa on Monday, July 13.
Hlabisa expressed deep concern over the continued loss of life and incidents recorded during the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation Season.
While customary initiation remains a respected cultural practice marking the transition to adulthood, Hlabisa called for the tradition to be practised in a manner that protects the dignity, health and lives of every initiate.
According to preliminary reports received from Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs) as of July 12, 2026, a total of 35 initiates have died.
The reports also recorded the following: 12 abductions, 58 illegal initiation schools operating (of which 42 have now been closed), 180 initiates rescued, 75 hospitalisations and three assault cases.
Law enforcement agencies have opened 150 criminal cases, resulting in 40 arrests, he said.
“These figures are deeply concerning and serve as a stark reminder that much more must be done collectively to eliminate preventable deaths, injuries and criminal activities associated with customary initiation,” Hlabisa said.
He extended condolences to the families who have lost their sons and wished a speedy recovery to those who have been injured or remain hospitalised.
Hlabisa reiterated that the safety of initiates is a shared responsibility.
“The government alone cannot eliminate these tragedies. Success depends on stronger collaboration between families, traditional leaders, communities, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, municipalities, educators and all stakeholders entrusted with safeguarding this sacred cultural practice.”
He said parents and guardians have a critical role to play.
“They must ensure that their children attend only legally registered initiation schools and must satisfy themselves that the school, traditional surgeon and traditional nurse are duly authorised in accordance with the law.”
Hlabisa said parents should remain actively involved throughout the initiation process and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the relevant authorities.
“Parental neglect and the failure to verify the legitimacy of initiation schools place young lives at unnecessary risk.”
He further condemned the continued operation of illegal initiation schools, saying they undermine the integrity of customary initiation and are responsible for many of the deaths, injuries, kidnappings and abuses reported each year.
“Individuals who establish, facilitate or participate in illegal initiation schools must understand that they are committing criminal offences and will face the full might of the law.”
Hlabisa said the Customary Initiation Act provides a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate customary initiation, protect initiates and preserve the cultural integrity of the practice.
He said the Act requires the registration of initiation schools, establishes Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, and provides for oversight, inspections and enforcement measures against those who violate its provisions.
He commended the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, traditional leaders, the South African Police Service, provincial departments, municipalities, emergency medical services and community stakeholders for their ongoing monitoring, inspections, awareness campaigns and enforcement operations throughout the season.
According to Hlabisa, the coordinated efforts have resulted in the closure of illegal schools, the rescue of initiates and the arrest of offenders, demonstrating the value of a united, multi-sectoral response.
Hlabisa called on all South Africans to reject practices that endanger lives while protecting the cultural heritage of customary initiation.
“Respect for tradition must go hand in hand with respect for the law and every initiate’s constitutional rights to life, dignity and safety.”
“The government remains committed to working with traditional leaders, families, communities and all stakeholders to achieve zero deaths, zero injuries and zero illegal initiation schools.”
“Every initiate deserves to return home safely and with their dignity intact. This requires all of us to play our part,” Hlabisa said.
He said COGTA will continue working closely with Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and public awareness throughout the remainder of the winter initiation season.
IOL News
