The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa met with the representatives of the Eastern Cape Senior Traditional Leaders and Headmen/Headwomen, today (08 February 2025) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province.

Joining the Minister in the meeting was the Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Prince Zolile Burns Ncamashe, Provincial COGTA MEC – Mr Zolile Williams, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo; Executive Committee of the Forum of Royal Leaders, the Executive of the Eastern Cape Provincial House, the Executive of the Eastern Cape, Local Houses, Mayors of the District Municipalities, Mayors of Local Municipalities, Speakers of the Eastern Cape, Municipalities and Executive Committees of CONTRALESA and ROLESA.

The meeting with the Royal Highnesses is a follow up to the one that was held on 27 December 2024 with traditional leaders and other stakeholders in an effort to find lasting solutions to the challenges that are facing the age-old tradition and cultural practice of Ulwaluko (Traditional Male circumcision).

Minister Hlabisa appreciated the level of representation at the meeting, which demonstrates the commitment of various stakeholders, especially traditional leaders and the government. The urgency of the meeting was as a result of the death of the 371 initiates and 110 amputations in a period of nine (9) years. Minister emphasised that these are not just numbers but lives of children who are the future leaders of our country, some of whom were the only children of their parents.

In preparation for the broader meeting, which is scheduled for later this month, the meeting reached a consensus in calling for solutions that will save lives. The delegates acknowledged that Ulwaluko does not kill and committed to finding solutions now ahead of the Winter Initiation season. Minister called for the achievement of zero deaths in all seasons. The meeting began mapping out the process forward with regards to this important practice. To this effect, the delegates were united in calling for Ulwaluko olukhuselekileyo. “We value our tradition”, this was a clear message from the discussions that ensued at the meeting.

Therefore, the main question to all stakeholders was, how to respond to the challenges that saw mass fatalities of initiates in the Eastern Cape Province? The agreement was that it cannot be business as usual, an urgent action and intervention is required to bring an end to amputations, save lives and ultimately protect the culture that has been part of the African people since time in memorial.

Amongst the key interventions is the need for strengthened communication with communities from where our initiates are coming from. This should include the need for communities to understand the legislation that governs initiation. In addition, the government should support monitoring teams and support traditional councils as they ensure that all communities and traditional schools comply with the legislation.

It is important to note that addressing the challenges experienced with Ulwaluko will go a long way to restore the dignity of the initiates and the customary initiation. Minister emphasised that there is a need to give effect to the commitment made today and ensure the safety of children. “As parents, we can not transfer our responsibilities to our children who undertake this cultural journey with other people. We have to be actively involved,” said Minister Hlabisa. The discussions were fruitful and resulted in a number of inputs and suggestions geared to moving forward. Every initiation season should have a common period (starting and end time) to ensure that teams are able to monitor the process accordingly. One of the inputs raised is the issue of resources, which was raised as key in achieving zero deaths of initiates.

The role of traditional leaders cannot be understated, and there is a need for them to commit to lending a hand to all efforts to bring an end to the sensless fatalities that are gripping initiation tradition in the Eastern Cape.

Minister thanked all in attendance for the robust and frank discussions. He expressed confidence in the stakeholders and emphasized that “working together, we can solve challenges facing this important traditional and cultural practice.”

Enquiries:

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

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