At least 35 young men have died during South Africa’s 2026 winter initiation season, prompting renewed calls for stronger action against unsafe and illegal practices.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed that another 75 initiates remain in hospital. Authorities have also recorded 12 alleged abductions linked to initiation practices.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa described the figures as deeply concerning. He said they showed that more collective action was needed to prevent deaths, injuries and criminal activity during customary initiation.
Illegal Initiation Schools Targeted
Authorities have identified 58 illegal initiation schools during the winter season. Of these, 42 have been closed and 180 initiates have been rescued from potentially dangerous conditions.
Law enforcement agencies have also opened 150 criminal cases and arrested 40 people in connection with alleged offences linked to initiation practices.
Hlabisa warned that people who establish, support or participate in illegal initiation schools are committing criminal offences. He said those responsible would face the full force of the law.
The Customary Initiation Act regulates initiation practices and aims to protect the health, safety and dignity of initiates. It also provides rules intended to preserve the cultural importance of the tradition.
Parents Urged to Verify Initiation Schools
Hlabisa called on parents and guardians to confirm that initiation schools and practitioners are legally registered before allowing young people to attend.
He warned that failing to check whether a school is legitimate could place young lives at unnecessary risk.
CoGTA said it would continue working with Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders throughout the season.
Hlabisa stressed that initiation remains an important cultural practice but said tradition cannot be used to justify abuse, unsafe conditions or criminal activity.
“Respect for tradition must go hand in hand with respect for the law and every initiate’s constitutional rights to life, dignity and safety,” he said.
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