Media Release: GRDM Hosts Environmental Health Information Session on Ulwaluko Preparedness

23 September 2026

One of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Sections, based in Knysna, recently participated in an information and training session alongside the Western Cape Department of Health which focused on environmental health aspects related to Ulwaluko. Ulkwaluko is a traditional male initiation and sacred rite of passage practiced by the isiXhosa people and other communities in South Africa to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood.

The session, attended by 44 Amakhankatha and men involved in Ulwaluko, was coordinated by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and held on 19 September 2026 at the Methodist Church in Plettenberg Bay.

Education focused on practical environmental health and safety measures that should be implemented at traditional schools to help prevent and reduce potential health and safety risks, particularly ahead of the anticipated El Niño conditions during the upcoming summer season.

Topics covered included the potential impact of extreme weather conditions such as flooding, landslides and wildfires, as well as the structural requirements and suitability of amabhoma and traditional school structures. Participants were encouraged to consider the location and condition of traditional schools in relation to possible environmental hazards, including flooding, landslides, wildfires and extremely high temperatures.

Other key environmental health topics addressed included hand hygiene, sanitation practices, waste management, food safety and the safe use of water sources and rivers. The importance of appropriate fire control measures at traditional schools was also discussed.

The session further covered the relationship between people and the environment, including pest control, the responsible use of medicinal plants and the potential risks associated with wildfires.

An important aspect of the preparedness discussions was the identification and recording of the geographical locations of traditional schools. This information can assist relevant authorities with emergency planning and response in the event of floods, fires or other disasters.

The training was also attended by the Director of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Mr Mchunu including representatives from the Department of Health. The participation of local churches and religious leaders provided an additional platform for strengthening community awareness and preparedness around environmental health and safety.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen preparedness and promote safer conditions within traditional school environments.

During the session, an invitation was also extended for similar training and awareness initiatives to be considered in other areas across the Western Cape, to support a coordinated approach to environmental health preparedness during the upcoming Ulwaluko season.

Photo Captions: All role-players who attended the Ulwaluko environmental health training and information session.

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