Bloemfontein: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is set to officially inaugurate the winter customary initiation season for 2025. This significant cultural event highlights the transition to adulthood and has been a subject of concern due to past challenges involving unregulated initiation schools and associated fatalities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the government addressed these issues with the enactment of the Customary Initiation Act of 2021, which aims to ensure safer practices. This year, the season will commence under the theme: ‘Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila,’ emphasizing the safety and well-being of all initiates.
Minister Hlabisa will elaborate on the comprehensive preparations and crucial measures undertaken by both the government and traditional leaders. These efforts are intended to preserve the initiation process as a safe, dignified, and culturally significant tradition.
The launch event on Friday will feature key stakeholders such as the Cabinet Minister, Deputy Ministers of CoGTA, MECs of CoGTA, members of the Kings and Queens Forums, representatives from the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee, and officials from law enforcement and the health sector.
The official launch will be held at the Premier’s Auditorium, OR Tambo Building in Bloemfontein, Free State.