'They must come back alive': multi-department push to safeguard initiates

The South African government has launched the 2025 Winter Customary Initiation Season with a focused effort involving several key departments working together to protect the lives and wellbeing of initiates.

The effort brings together the Departments of Health, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), all working to enforce regulations, support families, and eliminate illegal initiation schools.

The season was officially opened on May 31 under the theme “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila”, meaning “They must go alive and come back alive”.

This message underpins a broader government commitment to reducing deaths and injuries linked to unsafe initiation practices, which have been a persistent challenge in some communities.

Interdepartmental Responsibilities

Each participating government department will play a defined role during the season:

• Department of Health officials will conduct medical assessments and provide clinical support to safeguard the physical wellbeing of initiates throughout the process.

• Department of Basic Education will monitor learners taking part in initiation, ensuring that there is communication with families and that learners are not lost to the education system.

• South African Police Service will focus on identifying and closing illegal initiation schools that do not comply with health and legal requirements, as well as enforcing all relevant legislation.

• National Prosecuting Authority will act on any violations of the law, particularly those involving abuse, criminal negligence, or unregulated initiation centres.

• Provincial CoGTA departments will play a coordinating role, ensuring local government oversight, facilitating communication with traditional leaders, and encouraging community involvement to maintain safe practices.

This structured, multi-agency approach reflects the state’s intention to improve accountability while preserving cultural traditions. Authorities have reiterated that customary initiation remains a respected rite of passage, but one that must take place under safe and lawful conditions.

Focus on Community Safety

Over the years, government has faced public pressure to prevent avoidable deaths associated with initiation ceremonies. Many of these cases have been linked to schools operating without medical supervision or outside the law. By reinforcing compliance through both education and enforcement, the state hopes to reduce these risks significantly during the 2025 season.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to verify the credentials of initiation schools and to cooperate with officials in cases where safety standards are unclear or violated. Community involvement is also being prioritised, with an emphasis on reporting suspicious or illegal activity early.