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FILE: Initiates in a field in the Eastern Cape.
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Deputy Minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe says he wants to see an end to deaths among initiates.
This follows the death of 17 initiates in the Eastern Cape during the summer initiation season, which started last month.
The rising death toll has sparked outrage among government, traditional leaders, families, and communities.
[LISTEN] Concern as 17 boys die in EC summer initiation season
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— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) December 20, 2025
VIDEO | EC Initiation – Death toll of initiates rises to 17
WATCH | About 13 initiates have died in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, during the current initiation season. Nkululeko Nyembezi reports. pic.twitter.com/OMAMmSEfVM
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 18, 2025
Eastern Cape Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Pheello Oliphant says, “Government has arrested 45 in open cases and made that one arrest for unlawful circumcision and the contravention of the Customary Initiation Act, as well as strengthened oversight, strengthened oversight, especially the elderly, that he must not leave this secret work to chance takers, and also the involvement of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders.”
VIDEO | Concerns over deaths in current initiation season:
