By localnew 
EASTERN CAPE, 12 December 2025 – Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has condemned the rising number of deaths among initiation initiates in the Eastern Cape, calling the trend a “slaughter” and urging urgent action to improve care and safety.
Hlabisa made the remarks as the province’s summer initiation season continues to claim young lives, with the death toll this year having risen to 13. He said it is unacceptable that healthy young men leave home to undergo traditional initiation rites only to return as corpses due to unsafe practices, often linked to unregulated traditional surgeons operating illegally.
Highlighting key contributing factors, Hlabisa pointed to dehydration and extreme heat as serious risks for initiates, warning against harmful beliefs that restricting water can speed up healing. The minister stressed that initiates must be given adequate water and care throughout the initiation process.
Hlabisa also acknowledged government efforts to address the crisis, including the arrest of 21 suspects linked to illegal initiation activities in the region. He urged parents, caregivers and community members to take responsibility for protecting young initiates and ensuring that traditional rites are conducted safely and legally.
The minister emphasised the need for consistent support and guidance for initiates from families and community leaders throughout this important cultural transition