CoGTA announces stricter measures after 41 initiation deaths

The national Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department has announced stricter measures for initiation season following the tragic deaths of 41 initiates across several provinces.

COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said the continued loss of young lives was deeply troubling and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives, dignity and well-being of all initiates.

Government announced that from the winter 2026, customary initiation season, stricter enforcement will apply to:

- the requirement that parents and guardians sign a formal consent declaration confirming that the initiate is 16 years or older, as prescribed by law. Any false declaration will constitute a criminal offence and will be prosecuted.

- Local courts in affected provinces will be requested to prioritise initiation-related cases to ensure swift justice, visible consequence management and a strong deterrent against illegal and unsafe practices.

- The compulsory registration of all traditional surgeons will also be enforced. Parents or guardians who take initiates to unregistered traditional surgeons will be arrested and charged in terms of the Customary Initiation Act.

The announcement follows two high-level engagements convened by the Minister on 23 and 28 December 2025.

The meetings brought together Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Premiers and Members of Executive Councils serving as District Development Model (DDM) Champions, local government councillors, the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, officials from national and provincial departments, the justice sector and civil society organisations.

As part of immediate consequence management, law enforcement agencies have already made 41 arrests linked to initiation-related offences.

Authorities have also uncovered cases where parents deliberately falsified their children’s ages to allow underage boys to undergo initiation.

Government has strongly condemned these actions, warning that parents and guardians who knowingly place children at risk will face criminal prosecution.

Minister Hlabisa raised serious concern over ongoing reports of severe injuries and amputations at initiation schools. While some incidents are linked to illegal schools and unregistered practitioners, negligence has also been identified at legally registered initiation schools.

While reaffirming respect for customary initiation as a cultural practice, Minister Hlabisa emphasised that it must never endanger human life.

“Culture cannot be used to justify negligence, abuse or criminality. The right to life and dignity is non-negotiable,” he said.