Bloemfontein, Free State – The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa (pictured) has officially launched the safe customary initiation awareness campaign. In his opening remarks, the Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Olerato Mongale. He acknowledged the pain of their loss and paid tribute to Olerato’s life, noting the deep impact her passing has had on those who knew her and the broader community.
This sacred cultural practice, which marks the transition to adulthood, has faced challenges in the past due to unregulated initiation schools and related fatalities. In response, government enacted the Customary Initiation Act, 2021, to ensure safer practices. This year’s season will be launched under the theme: “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila”, a call for the safety and well-being of all initiates. Minister Hlabisa outlined the extensive preparations and critical measures being taken by government and traditional leadership to ensure that the initiation process remains a safe, dignified, and culturally significant tradition
Speaking on the need to ensure safe initiation, Minister Hlabisa said the message of government is simple and uncompromising: Zero deaths this winter season, as initiation must be a path to adult life, not death. Acknowledging legislation such as the Customary Initiation Act, 2021 (CIA), which is a landmark step in the right direction, the Minister indicated that laws alone are not enough and that implementation remains a challenge, and the risks persist without active enforcement and community buy-in.
Minister Hlabisa further warned that non-compliance will have consequences: “We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who break the law. Violations will result in arrests, school closures, and prosecutions.” The Minister also reiterated the role of traditional leaders, parents, guardians, and communities in safeguarding the lives of initiates and ending the cycle of avoidable harm.
The launch was attended by amongst others, the Deputy Ministers of CoGTA, the MECs of COGTA, the Kings and Queens Forums, the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, National Initiation Oversight Committee, representatives from law enforcement and the health sector.
