The Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission has launched new initiatives to address pressing issues affecting cultural, religious, and linguistic communities across South Africa. During a media briefing on February 11, 2025, chairwoman Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, who rejoined the commission for a second term, outlined key tasks for the commission’s work, focusing on preserving cultural traditions while ensuring the safety and well-being of young people.
One of the commission’s primary concerns is the alarming number of deaths among initiates, particularly during traditional initiation practices. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva emphasized that these deaths should never be normalized, urging stakeholders to work together to address the underlying issues and implement measures to protect young lives. The commission plans to collaborate with families, communities, and relevant organizations to find sustainable solutions to this ongoing crisis.
In addition to addressing the deaths of initiates, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva also announced the commission’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of the Phoenix massacre, which resulted in the tragic loss of 36 lives during the civil unrest in July 2021. The CRL Commission will engage with various stakeholders to promote public education and advocate for better coexistence among diverse communities, in line with its mandate to protect cultural and religious freedoms.
Other key initiatives outlined include addressing complaints related to grave recycling and the conduct of religious leaders, as well as ensuring that practices like virginity testing comply with South African laws. The commission also plans to collaborate with local municipalities and stakeholders to improve the regulation of religious practices and ensure that cultural and religious rights are respected in all communities.
