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Amathole District Municipality District Initiation Forum convened to reflect, report back, and analyse findings from the 2025 Summer Initiation Season. As the body responsible for overseeing customary initiation practices across the district, the Forum, led by Chairperson Nkosi Mzikayise Kaulela and comprising of representatives from all local municipalities presented a comprehensive district-wide report on the season’s outcomes.
While several challenges were encountered, particularly relating to funding constraints, lack of support from government and resource allocation, critical aspects of this important customary practice were not compromised.
Preparations leading up to the season included structured training programmes for initiation surgeons, medical screenings and awareness campaigns aimed at educating young boys about the expectations and responsibilities associated with a successful customary journey. Overall, the reports recorded 6 tragic fatalities of initiates during the season, 4 in Mnquma LM, 1 in Amahlathi and 1 in Mbhashe. Despite these losses, the district achieved notable progress. Key highlights included a responsive and coordinated Initiation Forum, one of the lowest number of initiation-related deaths in the province, and recognition as a district demonstrating best practices in the management of customary initiation.
The sitting concluded with strategic preparations for the upcoming 2026 Winter Initiation Season. Discussions prioritised the establishment of sustainable and alternative measures to ensure the consistent availability of essential resources particularly water, given the district’s ongoing drought conditions. Further to this the forum also set to task onboarding more stakeholders including government and family members for collaborative efforts and assistance in ensuring this practice stays dignified and safe for all who undergo it.
“We all have a role to play. While authorities and stakeholders can provide oversight and support, families must equally be actively invested and involved. The safety and survival of a young initiate is greatly influenced by the level of care, seriousness, and commitment demonstrated by the family” - District Initiation Forum

[SOLVING OUR PROBLEMS TOGETHER]
The Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality, Councillor Anele Ntsangani, undertook a site visit today to Newtown and KwaMaqoma Location in response to community protests concerning interruptions in water supply.
The current challenges stem from delays in the full restoration of consistent water distribution to certain areas, following the recent successful completion of extensive repair and rehabilitation works at the primary water treatment facility.
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During the visit, the Executive Mayor held direct engagements with affected residents to receive detailed feedback on the nature and extent of the disruptions. He subsequently conducted an inspection of the water treatment works and several key reservoirs to assess current storage levels and evaluate progress toward the equitable resumption of supply across all wards in KwaMaqoma.
Councillor Ntsangani will remain in the KwaMaqoma area for the duration of the coming week to facilitate ongoing collaboration with community leadership, ward councillors, municipal management, technical teams, and other relevant stakeholders. The focus will be on developing and implementing sustainable, long-term interventions to resolve the underlying causes of the supply interruptions and to strengthen overall water service delivery.
Amathole District Municipality reaffirms its commitment to the rapid restoration of reliable water services and to ongoing infrastructure improvements that prevent future disruptions of this nature.
Residents are requested to continue practising water conservation measures, to report any visible leaks or burst pipes through official municipal channels without delay, and to monitor communications from the municipality for regular updates on restoration progress.
Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience.