CoGTA Minister orders emergency summit as initiation death toll hits 48

Zuko Komisa

Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has launched an urgent review of provincial monitoring plans following 48 recorded deaths during the 2025 summer initiation season.
Authorities are intensifying rescue operations and monitoring in the Eastern Cape and Free State to shut down illegal schools and address cross-border accountability gaps.
The government is coordinating with traditional leaders, police, and health services to enforce safety protocols and prevent further loss of life before the season ends in January.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has convened an emergency high-level summit following the deaths of 48 initiates during the 2025 summer season.

The meeting, which included Premiers, traditional leaders, and police officials, focused on the Eastern Cape and Free State, where the majority of fatalities occurred.

In the Eastern Cape, authorities reported a surge in late pre-screenings across districts such as OR Tambo and Buffalo City.

Consequently, the Minister has ordered intensified monitoring and rescue operations for illegal schools until the end of January 2026.

In the Free State, officials are specifically targeting “cross-border” school principals operating near the Lesotho border who evade legal accountability.

The government’s response includes deploying additional resources for inspections and strengthening coordination between health services and the SAPS.

Minister Hlabisa emphasised that while the state will take decisive action against illegal schools, families and elders remain the primary guardians of initiates’ safety. A final stakeholder review will be held to refine preventative measures ahead of the winter season.