Initiate dies at Dennilton initiation school
DENNILTON
The Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu, expressed deep sadness following the tragic death on of a 19-year-old initiate, who passed away while at an initiation school in Magakadimeng Village, Dennilton outside Groblersdal. The unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday 6 July 2024.
According to the department, the victim, known as Sekele, was found unresponsive with weak breathing at the initiation school and was rushed to Philadelphia Hospital for emergency treatment, where he unfortunately succumbed to his illness.
“According to our monitoring reports, Sekele has been struggling with health complications, including epilepsy, prior to his death. He reportedly experienced an epileptic episode on July 2 2025, but fully recovered and resumed normal activities. The caregiver discovered Sekele’s condition around 08h00 on Sunday 6 July 2025, and immediately sought medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, Sekele’s condition proved fatal,” said the department in a statement.
MEC Makamu, expressed deep sadness over the loss, emphasizing the need to reinforce efforts to prevent tragedies during the initiation season. The Departments of Health, Education, SAPS, and the National Prosecuting Authority have collaborated to put measures in place to prevent fatalities during the initiation period.
“We are saddened by this death. One death is one too many. Working closely with the Departments of Health and Education, the SAPS, and the National Prosecuting Authority, we have put systems in place to ensure no life is lost,” he said.
However, Makamu said the death is a confirmation that they need to work even harder to avert fatalities during initiation season. The MEC extended condolences to Sekele’s family during this difficult period.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sekele’s death is underway, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of death and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
