Government aims for zero deaths in upcoming winter initiation season

As South Africa enters the traditional winter initiation season, the government is setting an ambitious target: zero deaths among initiates. This comes after a tragic season last year, when at least 93 young boys lost their lives during cultural initiation rites across the country.

On Friday, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa officially launched the 2025 Winter Initiation Season, emphasising that the safety and dignity of initiates must be the top priority.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed that every life must be protected. “We cannot accept any more deaths. We owe it to these young men and their families to ensure their journey into adulthood is safe, dignified, and respected,” he said.

The winter season, which typically sees a spike in the number of initiation ceremonies — especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape and Limpopo — has often been marred by incidents of dehydration, sepsis, physical abuse, and, in some cases, illegal schools operating without proper oversight.

To change this, Hlabisa called for stronger collaboration between traditional leaders, government departments, health professionals, and local communities. “This is not a challenge for one sector to tackle alone. It requires all of us — government, traditional councils, families, and community members — to work together,” he said.

The initiative has received backing from Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health. Chairperson Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the committee supports the minister’s zero-death goal and stressed the importance of accountability within traditional structures.

“We must continue engaging with our traditional leaders, because the role they play in overseeing these schools is crucial,” said Dr Dhlomo. “We need to ensure that initiation practices are monitored, regulated, and rooted in both cultural integrity and safety.”

Part of the strategy includes stricter enforcement against illegal initiation schools, which often operate without trained caregivers or medical oversight. The government also plans to deploy more health inspectors and provide training for traditional surgeons and nurses, ensuring they are equipped to handle medical emergencies.

In addition, public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate families and initiates about the importance of choosing accredited schools and reporting suspicious activity.

Community involvement is another critical component. “We are calling on parents and guardians to be vigilant, ask questions, and make sure that the schools their children attend are registered and safe,” said Hlabisa.

The government is also working on technology-based solutions, such as mobile apps and hotlines, to allow real-time reporting of issues at initiation sites. These tools aim to speed up the response to emergencies and flag schools that may be operating unsafely.

While the road ahead is difficult, officials remain hopeful that with strong partnerships and active oversight, this year’s winter initiation season can mark a turning point.

“We cannot bring back the lives lost last year,” Hlabisa said. “But we can honour them by ensuring that no family has to endure that pain again.”