The Eastern Cape has recorded five initiate deaths so far in the 2025 winter initiation season from illegal initiation schools in three different municipal areas, shattering the provincial target of zero deaths.
In a recent report prepared by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the National Initiation Oversight Committee, it was revealed that two of the deaths occurred in the Nyandeni Local Municipality on June 30 and July 4, respectively.
One death was recorded in Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality on July 3, and one in Lusikisiki (Ingquza Hill Local Municipality) on July 9.
Buffalo City Metro Municipality recorded its first death earlier on May 12, even though the initiation season officially opened on June 14.
The causes of death, according to the report, remain unknown, “as post-mortems have not been conducted.”
The report, shared by Cogta provincial spokesperson, Pheelo Oliphant, stated that no deaths had been reported at legal initiation schools.
A total of 41 cases have been opened with the police, resulting in 37 arrests.
“The number of identified illegal schools stands at six since the opening of the season on June 14.”
The report confirmed that all six schools were closed but did not provide details about what happened to initiates from those closed schools.
A total of 14 initiates died in the Eastern Cape during the 2024 winter initiation season.
During the summer initiation season of the same year, this number doubled to 28, with causes of death including dehydration and septicaemia.
On January 23, Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa met with kings in East London to chart a roadmap towards safer customary initiation and achieving a zero-death target.
According to the departmental website, the meeting centred on seeking advice from the kings as custodians of customary practices.
“Additionally, the engagement presented an opportunity to strengthen multi-disciplinary stakeholder collaboration and solidify an all-inclusive approach to protecting and promoting culture,” the statement said.
