Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has expressed concern over the continued loss of life during the 2026 winter customary initiation season after confirming that 35 initiates have died.
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.
