CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on initiation season

Let's look at the 2026 Winter Initiation Tragedy.

The death toll during the 2026 winter customary initiation season has risen to 35, 12 abductions and 180 initiates rescued from illegal initiation schools. Seventy five initiates are in hospital.

Fifty eight illegal schools have been opened and 42 have been closed. 150 cases opened and these have resulted in 40 arrests.

The Minister has described this as concerning and is calling for greater collaboration. But what role do parents, traditional laeder, law enforcement authorities and govt play to deal with this crisis.

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