Initiation deaths spark concern during the 2026 winter season

The death toll from the 2026 winter initiation season has risen to 43, renewing concerns about the safety of initiates despite years of awareness campaigns and government interventions.

Mpumalanga has recorded 18 deaths, the Eastern Cape 14, North West 4, Limpopo 3, Gauteng 2 and the Free State 2.

Every year, families lose young lives to dehydration, infections, assaults and illegal initiation schools, raising difficult questions about accountability, cultural practices and whether enough is being done to protect initiates.

We unpack the crisis with CONTRALESA President, Kgosi Lameck Mokoena.

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