House of Traditional Leaders
More than 370 deaths and 110 amputations have been recorded in the Eastern Cape during initiation seasons over the past eight years.
These alarming statistics were revealed on Thursday during a meeting at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) between Eastern Cape kings and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa. The meeting focused on strategies to achieve zero deaths in future initiation seasons.
From 2016 to 2024, the OR Tambo region recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 142 deaths and 49 amputations. Alfred Nzo district followed with 55 deaths and 32 amputations, Amathole with 41 deaths and 13 amputations, and Buffalo City Metro with 32 fatalities and 11 amputations.
Minister Hlabisa emphasized the urgent need for stronger interventions to safeguard this cultural practice. While acknowledging the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions, he stressed that they should not lead to recurring tragedies.
“We want to promote this culture, but parents are losing children. The right to life is at stake, and the human dignity of young men returning home with amputations is a serious concern,” Hlabisa said.
He also noted that these statistics are not just numbers but represent human lives. “Some of these were only children, others were breadwinners or future leaders of our country. Now they are no more.”
Hlabisa attributed many of these deaths to negligence, including incidents where initiates are told not to drink water, assault by caregivers, drownings, and health complications stemming from inadequate medical screenings. He cited medical issues such as gangrene, septicemia, and pneumonia as common causes of fatalities.
Another concerning trend highlighted during the meeting was the death of initiates from gunshot wounds, reportedly linked to stock theft and family feuds in areas like Nelson Mandela Bay and the OR Tambo District.
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, expressed regret over the numbers but emphasized that parents must take greater responsibility.
“Traditional leaders cannot be solely held accountable. Each household must step up for their sons. Parents must be held accountable for their children’s safety,” Gwadiso said. He also called for increased community involvement and awareness campaigns, particularly for upcoming initiates.
Gwadiso raised concerns about misinformation, even from educators. “We were shocked to hear a teacher advising boys not to drink water, which is essential for survival. This reflects the deeper societal problems we face.”
He said “One of the biggest resolutions was for society to get involved. As leaders, we also need to continue with advocacy and raising awareness, especially to upcoming initiates.”
Minister Hlabisa announced that resolutions to achieve a zero-death rate during the winter initiation season would be finalized in upcoming consultations.
“There will be follow-up engagements on February 8 and 22. The latter will include a broader representation of stakeholders, with about 1,400 participants involved in shaping the plans for both winter and summer initiation seasons,” he said.
He said key resolutions from Thursday's meeting include:
Hlabisa assured stakeholders that traditional leaders are committed to preventing further deaths.
“We are hopeful that, through these consultations, we will develop a solid plan to eliminate recklessness and achieve zero deaths,” he said
