First Initiation Death
By Karabo Marifi
The Limpopo Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has confirmed the first initiation death in the province for the 2025 winter initiation season. Raymond Sekele, a 19-year-old initiate, passed away after being admitted to Philadelphia Hospital in the Sekhukhune District on Sunday. This incident has once again brought attention to the safety challenges faced by initiation schools in Limpopo, despite efforts to improve regulations and oversight.
Details of the Incident
Raymond Sekele was attending an initiation school when he suffered an epileptic episode on 2 July 2025. According to Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Basikopo Makamu, Sekele was already receiving medical treatment for epilepsy during his time at the school. After the episode, he was stabilized on-site, but the school was advised to take him to a hospital for further medical attention.
Amos Phago, the MEC’s spokesperson, explained, “The school was advised to urgently take the initiate to a hospital where he could meet the doctor for further checks.” Sekele was then rushed to Philadelphia Hospital, where he was admitted for emergency treatment. Sadly, his condition worsened, and his family later informed the caregiver of his death.
This tragic event raises questions about the adequacy of medical oversight and emergency response at initiation schools, even when initial stabilization efforts are made.
The 2025 Initiation Season in Limpopo
The 2025 winter initiation season in Limpopo began on 23 June and will run until 21 July, under the theme “They must go alive and come back alive.” This year, the province approved 530 initiation schools out of 569 applications, including 322 for males and 208 for females. These schools are subject to strict regulations, such as a minimum age of 12 for initiates, parental consent, and mandatory medical checks.
Despite these measures, Sekele’s death shows that gaps in safety protocols persist. In the previous year, 2024, Limpopo recorded three initiate deaths during the winter initiation season, indicating that fatalities remain a recurring problem.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Initiation schools hold deep cultural significance in South Africa, especially in Limpopo, where they mark the transition to adulthood. However, they have faced criticism due to repeated incidents of deaths and injuries. Issues such as inadequate medical care, illegal schools, and poor safety standards have plagued the practice for years.
The Limpopo government has introduced measures like the Limpopo Initiation School Act to enforce compliance and ensure the safety of initiates. MEC Makamu highlighted the collaboration with the Department of Health, Education, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Prosecuting Authority to prevent fatalities. “We have put all systems in place to ensure that no life is lost,” he said. “However, this death is a confirmation that we need to work even harder to avert fatalities during initiation season.”
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