Hlabisa calls on all parties to protect initiation custom

FILE | An initiate in South Africa.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on all parties involved in the traditional initiation custom to play part in safeguarding this rite of passage.

Hlabisa met with Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, traditional leaders, MECs among others to devise strategies aimed at ending initiation‑related deaths, preserving the integrity and cultural significance of customary initiation practices.

Minister’ Spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose says the dialogue forms part of the winter initiation season preparations.

She says, “Some decisive measures have been adopted at a dialogue to an end circumcision related deaths and amputations, among other all initiation schools and practitioners must be registered by march, and compulsory medical screening completed by April.”

Maseko-Binqose says, “Law enforcement will be intensified against illegal schools to ensure arrests and prosecutions. The dialogue further prioritises strengthening medical oversights, improved emergency reediness in hotspot areas proper training of traditional surgeons and reinforcement of accountability across all spheres of government.”