The CRL Rights Commission says persistent deaths and injuries at initiation schools have prompted a formal investigation aimed at strengthening accountability and protecting initiates
At least 43 initiates have lost their lives during this year’s winter initiation season. The latest figures also reveal dozens of hospitalisations, abductions, illegal initiation schools and criminal cases.
The figures have prompted the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission to establish a special committee to investigate the deaths, which have continued for more than a decade, and strengthen accountability.
Despite ongoing interventions, the problem persists. Young boys continue to be abducted and forced to attend illegal initiation schools without consent, while others lose their lives.
Speaking on Kaya 959’s Point of View on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, CRL Rights Commission Deputy Chairperson George Mahlangu explained the importance of preserving the cultural practice while safeguarding the lives of initiates.
Mahlangu said it is the Commission’s responsibility to identify the underlying causes of the recurring fatalities.
“We have spent the past year engaging with different stakeholders to identify areas where support is needed. During that process, we came to the realisation that a more detailed investigation into these fatalities is necessary. For example, we need to establish whether the law is being properly implemented in these incidents,” he said.
Mahlangu said the Commission has established a Section 7 Committee, which empowers it to conduct hearings and investigations, summon witnesses and gather evidence relating to these incidents.
He said the hearings are expected to begin on 4 August 2026, with priority given to cases linked to this year’s fatalities.
Meanwhile, CONTRALESA Eastern Cape chairperson Inkosi Mwelo Nonkanya described the deaths as a “new abnormal.”
“I call it a new abnormal because the custom of initiating boys into manhood should never result in injury, let alone death. We are talking about the future men and leaders of tomorrow. More than 43 have already died, while others have suffered life-changing injuries,” he said.
Nonkanya said the growing number of deaths and injuries is deeply concerning and indicates that the custom is, in some instances, not being administered as it should.
Listen to the podcast for the full discussion…
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