Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa preparing to launch the state customary initiation awareness campaign. PHOTO: Abigail Visagie
Written by: Abigail Visagie
BLOEMFONTEIN - Free State has recorded the second-highest number of customary initiation deaths in South Africa after the Eastern Cape Province.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa revealed the statistics at the launch of the safe customary initiation awareness campaign that took place at the OR Tambo Building in Bloemfontein on 31 May.
The main aim of this launch was to raise awareness about safe initiatives during the winter season.
The launch was attended by the MEC of COGTA, Saki Mokoena, and some traditional leaders representing different initiation schools.
According to Hlabisa’s statement, 94 deaths were recorded last year in the country, and 26 of them were recorded in Free State.
“Initiations in the Free State also resulted in four amputations which mostly indicate the disregard of the Initiation Act of 2021 that emphasises the safety of the initiates and in turn creates a healthy relationship between health institutions and cultural practitioners.
He says this year’s mandate to kick-start the winter initiation season is to ensure the safe arrival and return of initiates.
“Our children must go to the initiation alive and happy and they must return alive and happy,” said the Minister.
Hlabisa assured the house that the Department of Health has committed to do pre-health screening and ensure that follow-ups are made when the initiation season comes to an end. “SAPS and NPA will also prioritise prosecution and will shut down illegal initiation schools, he says.
According to Mokoena, most customary initiations have been subjected to abuse and these have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
Mokoena said the rise of physical abuse that is taking place in Free State initiation schools is the cause of the high death rate.
“Most of these initiation schools are initiating young men for personal financial gain with no regard for the wellbeing and safety of the initiates,” said Mokoena.
