Gauteng is in mourning following the deaths of four young men who lost their lives during the 2025 Summer Customary Initiation Season, a period traditionally meant to mark the passage from boyhood to manhood, but which ended in heartbreak for several families.
The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (GPICC) confirmed the deaths on Tuesday, describing them as tragic and deeply distressing. The initiation season began on 21 November 2025 for non-school-going initiates and on 11 December 2025 for those still attending school, and is scheduled to conclude on 14 January 2026.
Behind the official statements are grieving families who sent their sons to initiation schools with hopes of cultural pride, growth and safe return. Instead, four households are preparing to bury loved ones whose lives were cut short under varying circumstances.
The first death occurred on 5 December 2025 when a 25-year-old initiate died at a registered initiation school in the Sedibeng District Municipality. Just three days later, on 8 December, a 15-year-old boy died at an unregistered initiation school within the City of Johannesburg. His death has reignited concern over illegal initiation schools that continue to operate despite repeated warnings from authorities.
Two more deaths followed in Emfuleni Local Municipality under the Sedibeng District. A 21-year-old initiate died on 28 December 2025 at a registered initiation school, while a 35-year-old initiate died on 31 December 2025 at another registered facility in the same area, turning what should have been a festive season into one of mourning.
While investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) are ongoing, communities are left grappling with difficult questions about safety, accountability and the protection of cultural practices. Authorities are probing whether there were any contraventions of the Customary Initiation Act, including possible negligence or failure to comply with health and safety standards.
The GPICC has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that support is being provided during this painful period. Families have also been urged to be afforded privacy as they mourn their loved ones.
Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, expressed sorrow over the deaths, saying the loss of even one initiate is one too many. He emphasised that initiation is a sacred cultural practice.
