For illustration purposes.
A dark cloud has fallen over the initiation season in eMalahleni after a young initiate tragically died on Friday, June 27,
The 13-year-old, Siymthanda Nkosi , reportedly complained of severe stomach pains before being rushed to a local clinic, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
The Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has confirmed the death.
According to CoGHSTA MEC Speed Mashilo, the initiate, who was attending an initiation school under Chief Mabena, the Ingoma holder, began experiencing stomach pains on Friday and developed diarrhea the following morning before being taken to the clinic.
MEC Mashilo extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
“The Provincial Government would like to convey its condolences to the family and loved ones following this incident,” said Mashilo.
He further emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting initiation schools through awareness sessions, ensuring compliance and adherence to existing legal prescripts. “Further, we have full confidence in our authorities to get to the bottom of this incident and avert further recurrence,” Mashilo added.
Mpumalanga currently has 517 registered initiation schools, comprising 378 male and 139 female schools.
The Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee (PICC), the Ingoma Task Team, and the police have launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initiate’s death.
Their inquiry will focus on the permit, compliance with regulations, and other related requirements for the initiation school.
This investigation aims to uncover the cause of this tragic incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
