Eastern Cape Opens 2026 Winter Initiation Season

Authorities have urged parents, guardians and traditional leaders to ensure that all initiates undergo mandatory health screening before attending initiation schools.

The 2026 Winter Initiation Season has officially commenced in the Eastern Cape, with government and traditional leaders intensifying efforts to ensure that initiates complete the cultural rite safely and return home unharmed. According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the initiation season opened on 8 June for out-of-school initiates, while school-going initiates are scheduled to begin the process on 19 June.

Authorities have urged parents, guardians and traditional leaders to ensure that all initiates undergo mandatory health screening before attending initiation schools. The Department of Health has opened screening facilities across the province, which will remain operational until 3 July 2026. This year's campaign is being conducted under the theme of promoting a safe, responsible and dignified initiation season. The message "Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila" – meaning "They must go alive and come back alive" – remains at the centre of awareness efforts.

Government Strengthens Measures to Prevent Deaths and Illegal Schools

Speaking during the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' 2026/27 Budget Vote in Cape Town, Deputy Minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe reaffirmed government's commitment to protecting initiates while preserving the cultural significance of customary initiation.

He said awareness campaigns launched in recent years have continued to bring together communities, traditional leaders and government institutions to reduce injuries, deaths and complications associated with initiation practices.

Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees have strengthened their activities, particularly in provinces identified as high-risk areas. Their work focuses on improving monitoring, enforcing regulations and ensuring that approved initiation schools operate according to established safety standards.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the contribution of the Majesties Forum, which has proposed measures to protect the cultural practice from individuals operating illegal initiation schools and exploiting traditions for personal gain.

Authorities believe stronger cooperation between traditional leadership structures and government departments is helping create a safer environment for initiates while preserving the integrity of the custom.

National Dialogue Supports Goal of Zero Casualties

A key step in government's efforts was the national dialogue on customary initiation hosted by COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa in February 2026. The gathering brought together traditional leaders, government officials, health professionals and community stakeholders to discuss practical solutions aimed at reducing initiation-related deaths, preventing amputations and eliminating illegal schools.

Burns-Ncamashe said these interventions are contributing to greater awareness of safe initiation practices and have produced encouraging signs of progress, even though challenges remain. He praised traditional leaders, healthcare workers, government departments and community organisations for working together to improve the safety and wellbeing of initiates.

The Deputy Minister stressed that achieving zero deaths and zero harm requires collective responsibility and sustained cooperation from all sectors of society. He called on communities to remain vigilant throughout the season and support efforts to ensure that customary initiation continues as a respected cultural practice that protects the dignity, health and safety of every initiate.

As the season gets underway, authorities have reiterated that the phrase "Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila" should represent a genuine outcome rather than a slogan, with every initiate expected to return home safely.