Government launches 2026 Winter Initiation Season with safety campaign aimed at preventing deaths and injuries among initiates.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, expressed deep concern over the deaths and incidents during the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation Season.
While it is a respected tradition marking the transition to adulthood, he calls for it to be practised in a manner that protects every initiate's dignity, health, and life.
Recent PICC preliminary reports record 35 initiate deaths, 12 abductions, 58 illegal initiation schools opened with 42 schools closed, 180 rescues, 75 hospitalisations, three assault cases, and one injury, with law enforcement opening 150 criminal cases and making 40 arrests.
“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,” said Hlabisa.
