Government has urged parents and communities to use only registered initiation schools to help protect young lives during the winter initiation season.
The warning follows an increase in initiation related deaths in the Eastern Cape since the season began on 8 June 2026. Authorities say some deaths are being investigated, while others have been linked to dehydration and initiates not taking chronic medication because of stigma.
Government has condemned illegal initiation schools and unregistered traditional surgeons, saying the loss of lives due to unsafe practices cannot be accepted.
The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs says law enforcement has arrested 22 suspects and closed 10 illegal initiation schools.
MEC Zolile Williams urged parents to ensure initiates undergo medical screening and attend only registered initiation schools. He also called on communities to report illegal schools and cooperate with monitoring teams.
Government has encouraged the public to report suspected illegal initiation schools to the nearest police station, through the mySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.
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