By Nasiphi Mabusela, Icamagu News Reporter
On Tuesday, 23 January, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, convened a crucial meeting with Eastern Cape kings to address concerns surrounding safer customary initiation practices. The focus of the discussion was to explore measures to ensure that the upcoming initiation period results in zero fatalities.
The meeting, which was held with the region’s traditional leaders, aimed not only to protect the culture of initiation but also to ensure that this important cultural practice is passed down to future generations. The initiative follows a tragic incident during the summer of 2024, where 28 young men lost their lives in initiation schools.
Between 2016 and 2024, a total of 371 young men died during initiation, with 110 others suffering amputations. As the country prepares for the winter initiation season, efforts are being made to prevent further deaths and injuries, with lessons learned from the previous winter and summer seasons to guide the approach.
The meeting identified several key causes contributing to fatalities, including misinformation, negligence, and non-compliance with medical guidelines. One of the most concerning issues raised was the widespread belief that young initiates should avoid drinking water to heal more quickly, which leads to dangerous dehydration. Additionally, some initiates fail to take their required medication during the process, exacerbating the risk of complications.
A central theme of the meeting was the need for traditional leaders to take a more active role in overseeing initiation schools. Kings, senior traditional leaders, Headmen, and Headwomen were called upon to ensure that initiation processes are well-managed, and that cultural practices are safeguarded. The involvement of parents was also emphasized, with calls for them to check on their children throughout the initiation process.
The government was urged to provide resources and support at all levels, ensuring that preparation for the initiation season is done in a timely and efficient manner. It was stressed that young initiates should register well in advance, with proper medical screening in place to ensure their readiness. Consent from both parents and initiates should be obtained, and the initiation schools must be demarcated and approved by traditional authorities.
Looking ahead, a larger meeting is scheduled for 22 February 2025, where all traditional leaders, Headmen, and Headwomen will come together to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating fatalities in initiation schools. This collaborative effort hopes to ensure that the initiation process remains a safe and culturally rich tradition for generations to come.
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