Government urges vigilance as initiation season opens

The 2026 winter initiation season has officially begun in the Eastern Cape, accompanied by renewed calls for communities to prioritise safety, accountability and dignity in customary initiation practices.

According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), in the Easter Cape, the season opened for out of school initiates on Monday, 8 June, while in-school groups are set to begin on Friday, 19 June. Authorities have emphasised that safeguarding the well-being of initiates remains a collective responsibility.

Customary initiation is widely recognised as an important cultural rite of passage. However, officials have warned that unsafe practices, illegal initiation schools and inadequate care continue to place lives at risk, sometimes resulting in serious injuries, amputations and deaths.

Under the campaign message “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila” — meaning initiates must leave and return home alive — government is urging parents, guardians and traditional leaders to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

Communities are advised to use only registered initiation schools and to confirm that practitioners are authorised and properly trained. The provision of basic necessities, including medical care, sufficient water, food and proper supervision, has also been highlighted as essential to preventing avoidable harm.

Health screening remains a key requirement ahead of initiation. The Department of Health opened screening facilities on 8 June, which will operate until 3 July 2026 to ensure initiates are medically fit before attending.

Authorities have also taken a firm stance against illegal operators. Law enforcement agencies are expected to act decisively against unregistered initiation schools, while individuals conducting circumcisions without valid medical certification risk being arrested and prosecuted. Members of the public can verify registration status through relevant government departments and report unsafe or illegal activities to the police or via Crime Stop.

This information was supplied by COGTA.

Illegal initiation schools can be reported at the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop on 08600 1011 or through the MySAPS App.