Ramaphosa urges action against initiation deaths

Addressing the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders on Tuesday, the president called for stronger efforts to prevent deaths and injuries from initiation practices, particularly in the Eastern Cape. 

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed that the 2024 initiation season alone resulted in the death of 28 young men, which is an increase of five compared to the same period in 2023.

According to Ramaphosa, the government is working with traditional leaders to address these issues and protect communities:

“The Minister of COGTA has convened a series of focused engagements with Kings, selected Chapter 9 Institutions, senior traditional leaders, headmen and the Eastern Cape provincial government,” the president said.

“These engagements should mobilise all the relevant stakeholders to work together to end initiation deaths.”

Ramaphosa added that the government has also gazetted the Customary Initiation Act regulations for public comment. 

“I have been advised that work towards the development of draft regulations on the fees charged in customary initiation schools is also at an advanced stage.

“This is an important development if we are to address the commercialisation and abuse of customary initiation.” 

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