CoGTA urges caution during summer initiation season

It’s that time of the year when summer customary initiation season gets under way.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called for collective action to ensure the safety and dignity of young initiates.

The period, which is deeply cherished within many communities, marks the sacred journey of initiates, as they transition into manhood through a culturally significant rite of passage. While this tradition holds deep cultural value, Minister Hlabisa has expressed concern about the dangers posed by illegal initiation schools and unqualified practitioners.

“These illicit operations often disregard basic safety and health standards, leading to life-threatening conditions such as unhygienic environments, malnutrition, physical abuse, and the absence of medical care,” Minister Hlabisa said.

He highlighted the alarming human rights violations linked to illegal initiation schools, including discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals, and complications from unregulated surgical procedures. In response, Minister Hlabisa emphasised the importance of parents only using registered initiation schools, as this can contribute to safeguarding initiates, while upholding the integrity of the tradition.

“The Customary Initiation Act, of 2021, serves as a cornerstone in addressing these challenges. It mandates the establishment of the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC) and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICC) to monitor and regulate initiation practices. The Act’s provisions are critical to ensuring the safety and dignity of initiates and eradicating exploitative and harmful practices,” Minister Hlabisa said.

Key highlights of the Customary Initiation Act include:

• Registration of initiation schools: Only schools registered with the PICC are legally permitted to operate. Conducting unregistered schools is a criminal offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment of up to 15 years, or both.

• Timing of initiation seasons: Initiations must align with school holidays to prioritise the education and well-being of participants.

• Consent requirements: Written consent from parents or legal guardians is mandatory for minors, while adults require their own written consent. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

• Age restrictions: Initiation is prohibited for children under 16 years of age. Special consent is required for those aged 16 to 18. Non-compliance carries severe penalties.

• Registration of traditional surgeons: Only registered practitioners may perform surgical duties, with penalties for violations, including imprisonment of up to five years.

Meanwhile, as South Africa is forecast to experience extreme summer heat, Minister Hlabisa called on parents, including caregivers and guardians, to ensure that initiates are medically fit to undergo the sacred ritual.

The Minister also urged initiation schools to prioritise pre-season health checks, ensure access to medical care, and ensure initiates are always hydrated. He further emphasised that compliance with health and safety regulations is non-negotiable and urged the communities to report any adverse developments regarding initiation schools, including abductions, to law enforcement agencies.

“Parents must also verify the registration status of initiation schools. The success of any initiation season depends on all stakeholders, including parents, traditional leaders and communities playing their part to ensure the safety of initiates,” Minister Hlabisa said.

“Our goal is to protect and uphold this important tradition, while ensuring our young initiates’ safety, dignity, and well-being. We believe that if we all work together, we can eliminate harmful practices and preserve the cultural significance of customary initiation.”