Initiation

/ 24 May 2022

Mpumalanga boys ‘kidnapped for forced initiation’

Traditional leaders blame those who fail to enforce the laws that govern the practice

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By Masoka Dube

Health

/ 21 April 2022

AmaXhosa of Matatiele say yes to ‘safe’ initiation

Young initiates avoid medical complications thanks to a blend of cultural tradition with health and safety practices

By Ayanda Nqeketo

The Green Guardian

/ 2 April 2021

Are our initiation rituals getting too hot to handle?

Global warming may force changes in some South African outdoor initiation ceremonies, as record heat poses risks for the summer season

By Tunicia Phillips

Health

/ 13 December 2020

Taking stock of a local lockdown

Some Nelson Mandela Bay residents are abiding by restrictions; others are feeling festive

This content is restricted to subscribers only.

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By Mkhuseli Sizani

Article

/ 25 June 2018

Cogta pleads with parents to check legitimacy of initiation centres

Any parent whose child is harmed, or who has suspicions about the place the child is going, must open a complaint at a police station

By Jenni Evans

Article

/ 23 February 2018

Queer – and proud to be Xhosa

The furore over the film Inxeba has cast a light on men who are gay but deeply committed to their culture

By Carl Collison

Article

/ 21 July 2017

Exposing a culture’s wounds

It’s been fêted around the world, but Inxeba’s smashed stereotypes will cause a stir locally

By Milisuthando Bongela

Article

/ 2 June 2017

What will save us?

"What is the bro code for learning, unlearning and relearning humanity? Must we be called ugly and trash before we begin to see the light?"

By Staff Reporter

Article

/ 28 February 2017

Actor Nakhane Touré fends off hate speech over controversial new film

‘The Wound’ tackles the unspoken issue of sexuality and tradition in a film about Xhosa initiates.

By Carl Collison

Analysis

/ 17 July 2015

Rip-off artists are the real threat to koma

This sacred community ritual has been subverted and sullied by predatory and deadly opportunists.

By Staff Reporter

Article

/ 24 February 2014

Illegal North West initiation schools closed down

Two illegal initiation schools have been shut down in North West, says the traditional affairs department, while authorities search for the owners.

By Sapa

Article

/ 7 February 2014

Initiation school owner guilty of teen deaths

The owner of an initiation school has been found guilty of culpable homicide after the death of an initiate.

By Sapa

Article

/ 28 December 2013

Rights of injured initiates violated

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has condemned handlers at an initiation school for denying three injured boys treatment.

By Sapa

Article

/ 16 August 2013

The boys who lost their manhood

During this initiation season, we look back at what happened in 2013 when bungled initiations cost boys their penises.

By Mia Malan

Article

/ 9 July 2013

Arrests made in Eastern Cape after botched circumcisions

Five people have been arrested since the start of the initiation season in the Eastern Cape, say police.

By Sapa

Article

/ 8 July 2013

Initiation has become criminal, says Motsolaedi

Following 30 initiates’ deaths and the hospitalisation of almost 300 boys in Eastern Cape, the health minister has lashed out at circumcision schools.

By Sapa and Faranaaz Parker

Article

/ 21 June 2013

Five boys die after botched circumcisions

Five boys have died and one had to be castrated in the Eastern Cape after illegal circumcisions, according to the provincial health department.

By Sapa

Article

/ 19 June 2013

Public protector to probe initiation deaths

Deputy public protector Kevin Malunga will help probe the issues surrounding botched circumcisions, says his office.

By Sapa

Article

/ 18 June 2013

PrePex will save many lives in SA – with traditional leaders’ help

The state’s hopes for the nonsurgical circumcision device rest on its acceptance in initiation rituals.

By Mia Malan

No image available

Article

/ 14 June 2011

Commission calls for regulation of initiation schools

The culture commission has called for national legislation to regulate initiation schools, and in so doing reduce the risk to young men’s lives.

By Staff Reporter

No image available

Article

/ 25 November 2010

Parktown boys assault case dropped

A case against a group of Parktown Boys high school pupils facing assault charges related to an initiation ceremony has been struck of the court roll.

By Staff Reporter

Article

/ 23 June 2009

Dear Minister Nzimande …

Is there going to be enough space for first-years in the next five years?

By Prim Gower

No image available

Article

/ 11 June 2009

Parktown Boys’ High pupils back in court

The 12 Parktown Boys’ High School pupils accused of assaulting a junior pupil at their school are expected to appear again in court on Thursday.

By Staff Reporter

No image available

Article

/ 5 June 2009

Case against Parktown pupils postponed

A case against 12 Parktown Boys’ High School pupils accused of assaulting their junior schoolmates was postponed on Friday.

By Staff Reporter

No image available

Article

/ 3 June 2009

Education dept to probe arrest of Parktown schoolboys

The Gauteng department of education will investigate the arrests of 11 schoolboys accused of assaulting other pupils in an initiation ceremony.

By Staff Reporter

Mpumalanga boys ‘kidnapped for forced initiation’

Join the M&G Community

AmaXhosa of Matatiele say yes to ‘safe’ initiation

Are our initiation rituals getting too hot to handle?

Taking stock of a local lockdown

Join the M&G Community

Cogta pleads with parents to check legitimacy of initiation centres

Queer – and proud to be Xhosa

Exposing a culture’s wounds

What will save us?

Actor Nakhane Touré fends off hate speech over controversial new film

Rip-off artists are the real threat to koma

Illegal North West initiation schools closed down

Initiation school owner guilty of teen deaths

Rights of injured initiates violated

The boys who lost their manhood

Arrests made in Eastern Cape after botched circumcisions

Initiation has become criminal, says Motsolaedi

Five boys die after botched circumcisions

Public protector to probe initiation deaths

PrePex will save many lives in SA – with traditional leaders’ help

Commission calls for regulation of initiation schools

Parktown boys assault case dropped

Dear Minister Nzimande …

Parktown Boys’ High pupils back in court

Case against Parktown pupils postponed

Education dept to probe arrest of Parktown schoolboys

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