Minister Hlabisa Calls for a Safer Summer Customary Initiation Season

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, is calling for a safer summer customary initiation season, which commenced on 11 December 2024.

This period, deeply cherished within many communities, marks the sacred journey of initiates as they transition into manhood through a culturally significant rite of passage.

While this tradition holds deep cultural value, the Minister has expressed concern about the dangers posed by illegal initiation schools and unqualified practitioners. These illicit operations often disregard basic safety and health standards, leading to life-threatening conditions such as unhygienic environments, malnutrition, physical abuse, and the absence of medical care.

The Minister further highlights the alarming human rights violations linked to illegal initiation schools, including discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals and complications from unregulated surgical procedures.

In response, Minister Hlabisa emphasises the importance of parents only using registered Initiation schools as this can contribute to safeguarding initiates while upholding the integrity of this tradition.

The Customary Initiation Act, 2021, serves as a cornerstone in addressing these challenges. It mandates the establishment of the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC) and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICC) to monitor and regulate initiation practices. The Act’s provisions are critical to ensuring the safety and dignity of initiates and eradicating exploitative and harmful practices.

Key highlights of the Act include:
* Registration of Initiation Schools : Only schools registered with the PICC are legally permitted to operate. Conducting unregistered schools is a criminal offense punishable by a fine, imprisonment of up to 15 years, or both.
* Timing of Initiation Seasons: Initiations must align with school holidays to prioritize the education and well-being of participants.
* Consent Requirements: Written consent from parents or legal guardians is mandatory for minors, while adults require their own written consent. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
* Age Restrictions: Initiation is prohibited for children under 16 years of age. Special consent is required for those aged 16–18. Non-compliance carries severe penalties.
* Registration of Traditional Surgeons: Only registered practitioners may perform surgical duties, with penalties for violations including imprisonment of up to five years.

As South Africa is forecast to experiences extreme summer heat, the Minister calls on parents, caregivers and guardians to ensure that initiates are medically fit to undergo this sacred ritual.

Minister also urges initiation schools to prioritise pre-season health checks, ensure access to medical care, and ensure initiates are always hydrated.

The Minister further emphasised that compliance with health and safety regulations is non-negotiable and he urged communities to report any adverse developments regarding initiation schools, including abductions to law enforcement agencies. We cannot afford to lose the leadership of tomorrow through the wrong actions of those who do not have this sacred traditional practices at heart. Parents must also verify the registration status of initiation schools.

The success of any initiation season is dependent on all stakeholders, including parents, traditional leaders, and communities, playing their part to ensure the safety of initiates.

“Our goal is to protect and uphold this important tradition while ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of our young initiates. It is our belief that if we all work together, we can eliminate harmful practices and preserve the cultural significance of customary initiation,” Minister Hlabisa said.

Ends –

For media enquiries, kindly contact:

Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of COGTA
+27 (82) 772 1709

Mr. Legadima Leso
COGTA Head of Communications
+27 (66) 479 9904

Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs