As the Eastern Cape prepares to launch the 2025 winter traditional initiation season, the province’s monarchs have jointly sounded the alarm over continued negligence and deaths at initiation schools, urging parents to take full responsibility for their sons’ safety.
Each year, young boys return home in coffins rather than being celebrated as men.
The province’s seven kings have called for zero fatalities and emphasised that initiates must undergo medical check-ups and be placed in the care of qualified traditional surgeons and nurses.
AmaMpondomise King Luzuko Matiwane urged parents to stop “engineering the death of their sons” by ignoring medical advice or appointing unqualified practitioners.
“The whole process, including the allocation of sites for initiation lodges, must be sanctioned by a traditional leader,” he said.
Let us raise a generation of men proud, strong and prepared to serve their families and communities
Western Thembuland King Siyambonga Matanzima said initiation schools must remain sacred spaces of discipline and reflection.
“They must never become places where initiates are introduced to drugs or alcohol.
“Let us raise a generation of men proud, strong and prepared to serve their families and communities.”
AmaXhosa King Ahlangene Sigcawu echoed the call for action.
“It’s time for men to step up, share their wisdom and help shape the next generation of leaders.
“Families, particularly fathers, must take a leading role in selecting traditional nurses and visiting initiates regularly,” he said.
AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo expressed concern over deaths and illegal initiations in the OR Tambo district.
“There should be trained, accredited surgeons. Unregistered practitioners must be rejected,” he said.
AmaMpondo AseQaukeni King Yolisa Sigcau stressed the spiritual and moral components of ulwaluko.
“The rite must instil discipline, respect and community responsibility. Illegal schools and unqualified surgeons must be condemned.”
AmaRharhabe King Jonguxolo Sandile said irresponsible behaviour was turning initiation lodges into death traps.
“Everybody has a role to play. Turning these schools into slaughterhouses is unacceptable. Let us uphold the sanctity of initiation.”
Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase called for year-round planning.
“We cannot take just three weeks to prepare. Planning must begin in February for winter and August for summer.”
Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders chair Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso warned that parents who failed to act responsibly would face legal consequences.
Between 2016 and 2024, 371 initiates died in the province, and 110 suffered penile amputations.
During the 2024 winter and summer seasons, 60,229 boys were registered, with 43 deaths recorded.
Daily Dispatch
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