MEC of COGHSTA Mr Basikopo Makamu unveils the Limpopo Provincial Annual Winter Initiation Season.
The mountains, fields, and sacred spaces of Limpopo are preparing to echo with the sounds of traditional songs once again.
As the province gears up for the 2026 Customary Winter Initiation Season, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) has taken decisive steps to ensure this rite of passage is safe, dignified, and compliant with the law.
The MEC for COGHSTA, Mr. Basikopo Makamu, officially unveiled the state of readiness for the upcoming season during a media briefing at Hensa Towers in Polokwane and a subsequent pre-initiation workshop at the Jack Botes Hall. This season, which holds deep cultural significance, will officially run from June 19 to July 19, 2026, with the exception of the Ndebele Royal Council, which was granted special permission to operate on a different timeline due to unique customs.
A Foundation Built on Rigorous Planning
Customary initiation is more than a ritual; it is a foundational pillar of Limpopo’s heritage that shapes the character of future generations. To honor this tradition while upholding the law, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has conducted meticulous planning that began in September 2025.
Out of 957 applications received from traditional leaders wishing to host initiation schools, 771 were approved after a rigorous verification process. The approved schools—which include 471 for males and 300 for females—have been formally recognised in the Government Gazette.
MEC Makamu explained that the 186 applications that were rejected failed to meet strict legal and administrative requirements, such as formal recognition of traditional leaders or proper constitution of traditional councils. “The law is not a suggestion. It is a safeguard. We will not compromise the safety of our children by approving schools that do not meet the legal and administrative threshold,” the MEC stated.
Protecting the Sacred Institution
During the pre-initiation workshop, which brought together senior traditional leaders, surgeons, and caregivers, MEC Makamu emphasised that initiation schools are the schools of the ancestors, designed to teach young boys values like discipline, respect, accountability, and community leadership. However, he issued a stark warning regarding the rising threat of illegal and unregistered schools.
“Let me be very clear from this podium: an unregistered initiation school is not a cultural institution. It is a crime scene,” Makamu declared. The department has committed to a zero-tolerance policy, working alongside the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to shut down illegal operations immediately and prosecute those who endanger children.
A Collective Chain of Care
The health and well-being of every initiate remain the department’s highest priority. Recognising that the beauty of culture is lost when a child does not return home safely, the department has mandated thorough medical screenings for all potential initiates before they can be admitted.
“We cannot afford a single loss of life due to underlying medical conditions or dehydration,” Makamu noted. Traditional leaders and caregivers are now required to demand official medical certificates, while parents are urged to ensure their children undergo screenings at local clinics or hospitals. Furthermore, mandatory consent forms must be signed by parents or legal guardians, a measure designed to provide an additional layer of protection for the children.
Looking Toward a Safe Season
As the province approaches the June 19 commencement date, the message from the provincial government is unified and action-oriented: “Get Up, Show Up, and Protect Our Children”.
MEC Makamu expressed confidence in the current preparations, highlighting that the Ndebele Royal Council—whose schools are already in session—has recorded zero fatalities, hospitalizations, or major injuries thus far. He praised this success as proof of what can be achieved when there is strict adherence to the law and strong cooperation between traditional leadership and monitoring teams.
“As we approach the 19th of June, let us remember that the success of this season depends on collective responsibility,” the MEC concluded. By combining the wisdom of traditional leaders with the vigilance of monitoring teams and the care of parents, Limpopo aims to ensure that the 2026 winter initiation season is defined by cultural pride and the safe return of every initiate to their families.
SAPS will be there to make sure everyone follows the law.
Hosi Chauke S.E, Chairperson of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee.