The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, has issued a strong appeal to parents to take full responsibility for the safety of their children during the initiation season. Ncamashe says parents must be actively present and involved when their sons attend initiation schools, instead of handing them over to individuals who show little regard for their wellbeing. He stresses that parental abdication of responsibility is contributing to preventable tragedies.Ncamashe's comments follow the tragic loss of 17 initiates during the current summer initiation season, which began in November 2025. The rising death toll has sparked widespread concern among government, traditional leaders, families and communities. Ncamashe conducted an urgent oversight visit to several areas in the Eastern Cape this week, calling for accountability and decisive action to prevent further loss of life. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Eastern Cape Cogta spokesperson, Pheello Oliphant.