By Duncan Mnisi
eMalahleni, Mpumalanga — The Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has dismissed claims linking an initiation school principal, Mr. Chief Mabena, to the recent death of an initiate. The department says the allegations are false and regrets the misinformation.
Investigations found the school was under the supervision of Mr. Amos Bongani Mlangeni and Mr. George Jeffrey Mahlangu, not Mr. Mabena. The department has formally apologised to him for the wrongful implication.
The confusion reportedly stemmed from family members of the deceased mentioning the principal in early accounts. Law enforcement and the department’s task team have since confirmed his non-involvement. Arrests have been made in connection with illegal initiation activities, and investigations are ongoing.
For the 2025 winter season, 405 initiation schools were approved to admit 10,508 initiates. Two applications were rejected for non-compliance, and seven illegal schools were closed after inspections, in line with the Customary Initiation Act.
Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) chairperson Ikosi Richard Mlangani reiterated that safety is paramount. “We withdraw the wrong information previously circulated and apologise to Mr. Mabena and anyone else affected,” he said.
This season’s theme, Mabahambe Bephila, Babyue Bephila, underscores the need to protect lives while respecting cultural traditions.
