Minister Hlabisa and Eastern Cape traditional leaders agree on safer customary initiation plan
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring safer customary initiation by leading a productive engagement with Eastern Cape traditional leaders, headmen, and headwomen. This marks the fifth meeting since December 2024, showcasing the ongoing collaboration to protect the lives of young initiates while upholding this sacred cultural practice.
A key milestone of the engagement was the collective agreement on a safer customary initiation plan, aimed at eliminating preventable deaths and improving oversight during initiation seasons. Minister Hlabisa commended the proactive stance of traditional leaders, emphasizing that their leadership is critical to the successful implementation of safety measures.
“As COGTA, we stand firm in our resolve to work alongside traditional leaders to preserve our heritage while safeguarding the lives of initiates. Our shared goal is clear – zero deaths in the upcoming winter initiation season,” said Minister Hlabisa.
The meeting addressed pressing challenges, particularly the eradication of illegal initiation schools, which remain a major threat to initiate safety. Minister Hlabisa called for stronger enforcement measures and urged traditional leaders to take a frontline role in ensuring that only registered and regulated initiation schools operate within their communities.
With the winter season fast approaching, the Minister called for immediate action to implement the agreed-upon safety plan, stressing that accountability and collective responsibility are key to success.
The engagement concluded with a unified commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of initiates and uphold cultural traditions with dignity and responsibility. Minister Hlabisa urged everyone present to be committed in their efforts to protect the lives of the initiates. “We must all stand together and say no more deaths. Our culture is a source of pride, and we have a duty to pass it on safely from one generation to the next.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of COGTA
+27 82 772 1709
Mr. Legadima Leso
COGTA Head of Communications
+27 66 479 9904
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