This week marks the official start of the initiation summer season. Initiation is a cultural rite of passage practiced by Xhosas, Sothos and Hlubis in the Western Cape. Initiation is a sacred rite of passage to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood.
Our goal is to create a safe and enabling environment for the effective rite of passage to responsible adults and citizenship.
To uphold the Western Cape’s zero fatalities and no hospitalisation incidents during the previous winter season, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has put in place various measures in preparation for the coming summer season. These measures include:
The provision of training
The department has made provision for training aimed at developing a common understanding on issues pertaining to initiation. Training provided to traditional carers and traditional surgeons is focussed on core areas of health, hygiene, fire-management and control, and sustainable use of environmental resources. A total of 99 practitioners received First Aid training during September/October this year. Fire management training was also provided to cultural practitioners in various municipal areas including Cape Winelands and Eden districts.
The Initiation Framework and Protocol Document
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has led the way nationally as we are the first provincial governmental department to have developed an Initiation Framework and Protocol document. Amongst other objectives, this document was compiled to develop and strengthen community and governmental initiatives around the cultural practice of initiation, and to provide guidelines for safety and best practices.
Initiation Forums for Stakeholder engagement
In preparation for the upcoming initiation summer season, Minister Marais has met with municipalities and various initiation forums across the province. The Western Cape is the only province to have created Initiation Forums. These forums are mandated to be the initial point of contact for communities who observe and practice initiation. The forums include individuals and institutions that have a direct stake or impact on the practice. Civic leaders, traditional practitioners, health practitioners and ward councillors are represented in these structures. The Initiation Forums attend to matters related to pre-, actual and post-initiation phases. A database of traditional surgeons (Iingcibi), carers (Amakhankatha) and initiates being cared for, resides with the initiation forums.
Community participation and involvement
Minister Marais also encourages community participation and involvement in ensuring a safe and enabling environment for the rite of passage to be observed responsibly. If any community member has any concerns or would like to consult with an appropriate role-player, they can contact the relevant initiation forum chairpersons below:
No. |
Initiation Forums |
Chairpersons/ Coordinators |
Contact numbers |
1 |
Ashton Initiation Forum (Zolani) |
Mjenxane Phinzi Mrhwebi |
0738284213/ 0810912517 0710687705 |
2 |
Beaufort West Initiation Forum (kwaMandlenkosi) |
Mr Thabo Foloti Mr E Mafereka Thamsanqa Ndluzela |
072 903 8940 073 684 8494 083 387 0595 |
3 |
Botriver Initiation Forum |
Mr Mthetho Sono (Nyawuza) |
0726547650 |
4 |
Caledon Initiation Forum |
Mr Vuyani Wellington Nikani(Nyawuza) |
0739499404 / 0782275450 |
5 |
Ceres Initiation Forum (Nduli) |
Mr Mpondwana Khalipha Ntanjana (baSotho Secretary) Mpiyakhe |
079 329 4563 071 7585928 0782528434 |
6 |
Citrusdal Initiation Forum |
Mr Mmiseli Somdaka |
0717416425 |
7 |
De Doorns Initiation Forum |
Mr Motseki Mr Xoliseka Hobe |
0722109447 0837678713 |
8 |
Delft Initiation Forum |
Chief Vulithuba Toto Nongwe |
073 532 3804 |
9 |
Driftsands Initiation Forum |
Mr Situlo Hobe (Mzangwa) |
0768542397 |
10 |
George Initiation Forum (Thembalethu) |
Mr Mzwandile Gingcana Mr Mqhokwana |
078903 7378 0785552355 |
11 |
Joe Gqabi Initiation Forum (Philippi) |
Chief Nicholas Tiya |
0720360522 |
12 |
Grabouw Initiation Forum |
Mr David Lekena |
0728831443 |
13 |
Hazeldene Initiation Forum (Philippi) |
Lindile Joko |
0848687970? 0878405393 |
14 |
Hermanus Initiation Forum (Zwelihle) |
Mr Thamsanqa Poni |
0727396703 |
15 |
Khayamandi Initiation Forum |
Mr Sipho Menziwa Mr Swaartbooi Mr Monaheng |
072 506 1959 0728105423 083 338 0980 |
16 |
Khayelitsha Initiation Forum |
Chief Thobile Mtotywa (chairperson) |
0829306465 |
17 |
Knysna Initiation Forum |
Mr Mlungisi Blaai |
078425 4722? |
18 |
Laingville (St. Helena Bay)Initiation Forum |
Chief Themba Xhalisile (chairperson) |
0837132957 |
19 |
Langa (Embo) Initiation Forum |
Mr C Katangana (Chairperson) Dlamini |
0722326234 |
20 |
Lwandle Initiation Forum |
Mr Fumbata Sidwell Majikijela (Dlamini) Mr Oliphant |
0838814485 0784061138 |
21 |
Mbekweni Initiation Forum |
Mr Phathekile Hans |
073 466 6654 |
22 |
Mfuleni Initiation Forum |
Elliot Tyilani/ Mr Rayi Mr Mekeni |
0723980678 0786513324 0739209083 |
23 |
Mossel Bay Initiation Forum kwaNonkqaba) |
Mr Z Yantolo (Chairperson) Mangethe |
0788606367 0835068149 |
24 |
Nyanga Initiation Forum |
Andile Siyo |
0829530465 |
25 |
Oudtshoorn Initiation Forum (Bongolethu) |
Mr Lizo Dani Jack Mbo |
079 520 0163 073 621 6733 |
26 |
Plettenberg Bay Initiation Forum |
Mr Lindile Zabo Mr Sishuba |
073 636 2177 083 3737109 |
27 |
Robertson Initiation Forum |
Mr Z Nyamana
Mr Mankayi Mr Skhotshi |
0797159460/ 0780647213 073 018 0438 0780026025 |
28 |
Saldanha Initiation Forum |
Mr Mzameko Feni |
0733736586 |
29 |
Vredenburg Initiation Forum |
Mr Mkhululi Sibariboyi |
0782924345 |
30 |
Worcester Initiation Forum (Zwelethemba) |
Mr M. Mgxagxama Mr Thabang Splitwana |
076 584 7911 078 779 3341 |
Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for Anroux Marais, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 083 504 1171
Email: Stacy.McLean@westerncape.gov.za