Tragedy has cast a shadow over the 2025 winter initiation season in Limpopo with the heartbreaking death of 19-year-old Raymond Sekele. The young initiate passed away on Sunday, July 6, at Philadelphia Hospital in the Sekhukhune District after suffering health complications during his time at the Magakadimeng initiation school in Dennilton Uitspanning B.
Authorities revealed that Sekele had a known history of epilepsy and was on medication when he joined the initiation process. He reportedly experienced an epileptic seizure on July 2 and, though initially stabilized at the school, was later transferred to hospital care. Despite emergency medical efforts, he could not be saved.
The Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs confirmed that his caregiver had disclosed his condition upon enrollment, highlighting the tragedy as a painful reminder of the risks still present despite safety protocols.
MEC Basikopo Makamu, visibly moved by the incident, lamented, “One death is one too many,” as the province grapples with the first fatality of the current initiation season. The department, alongside health, education, and law enforcement bodies, has introduced stricter medical screenings and more thorough vetting of traditional surgeons—yet the loss of Sekele underlines the ongoing challenges in safeguarding young initiates.
His death has reignited calls for better integration of medical oversight within cultural rites to ensure that tradition never comes at the cost of a young life.
