KwaMhlanga – With at least 43 deaths reported so far in this Initiation Winter Season, many parents were relieved and overjoyed to welcome home their sons on completion of the months-long traditional ceremony and path to manhood.
The highest number of deaths was recorded in Mpumalanga, where 18 initiates lost their lives in the ceremonies that involve circumcision performed by a “bush surgeon”.
For the families of those whose children survived the conditions at traditional initiation schools, today, Thursday, 16 July 2026, was all about relief and jubilation.
Excitement and anxiety were palpable in the atmosphere in KwaMhlanga and surrounding areas in Mpumalanga where parents welcomed their children after spending about two months at the initiation school.
During the welcoming ceremonies, cows and other livestock were slaughtered for a feast as part of the ritual.
A jovial parent, Nomhlekhabo Mahlangu, said: “It has never been an easy task for me as a single parent to put everything together for the ceremony of my son.
“The total cost is being estimated at R25 000, including a cow.
“All I’m glad about is welcoming him back after having undergone the initiation process as part of the required Ndebele culture before everyone is regarded as a real man.”
Another parent, Poppy Skhosana, said: “There is no doubt that to some of us happiness is written on our faces as our kids are back home with love and joy as well.
“However, we convey our sympathies to other parents whose kids could not make it during this much-loved rite of passage.
“May the Almighty give them strength during this difficult time and let the souls of their kids rest in peace.”
Earlier in the week, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa released a report that indicated 35 initiates lost their lives during the traditional rite of passage.
Speaking on eNCA TV earlier today, Minister Hlabisa said the number of deaths had risen to 43.
Minister Hlabisa said the exact cause of the fatalities was still unknown and remains a subject of further probe with the relevant authorities.
He warned that parents who had sent their kids to illegal initiation schools would also be held responsible.
“Parents cannot be left outside to carry the responsibility fully,” Minister Hlabisa said.
“We need to intensify consequences management for everyone who is found to have not played his or her role correctly because every season we cannot lose so many people.
“This is something that can be avoided.”
The Minister added: “We cannot say it is the responsibility of the government. The government is doing all it can.”
At least 58 unlawful initiation schools were closed down, he revealed.
To date, 116 cases have been probed by the police, resulting in 40 arrests.
