Seventeen initiates die in Eastern Cape as illegal initiation schools come under scrutiny

17 initiates die in Eastern Cape

At least seventeen initiates have lost their lives in the O.R. Tambo District of the Eastern Cape during the current initiation season, raising fresh concerns about the safety of the practice in the province.

The deaths have been linked to six illegal initiation schools operating in the area, with reports pointing to dehydration, negligence and, in one case, an alleged assault as contributing factors.

The tragic incidents have prompted renewed calls for cooperation between parents, communities and authorities to prevent further loss of life, especially as the initiation season is still underway.

Officials have stressed that stronger monitoring and community involvement are critical to stopping unlawful schools from operating unchecked.

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, is expected to visit the district on an oversight mission to assess conditions at initiation schools and engage with traditional leaders, practitioners, law enforcement and local government on urgent interventions.

Speaking to eNCA, Burns-Ncamashe said the deaths “highlight the severity of the crisis” facing the province during initiation periods.

He also pointed to the role previously played by the Right to Care NGO in supporting safer practices within the sector. However, the organisation’s work has reportedly been reduced following the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, which it relied on to operate.

Authorities hope that renewed oversight and collaboration will help prevent more families from experiencing similar tragedies in the weeks ahead.

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