Ulwaluko (Customary Male Initiation) in the Eastern Cape: Stakeholder Perspectives on a Missing Social Work Role in Customary Initiation Act No. 2 of 2021

Despite its significance, ulwaluko has continuously faced challenges, including, inter alia, fatalities, botched circumcisions, and psychosocial distress, which have often been linked to inadequate support. The enactment of the Customary Initiation Act No. 2 of 2021 represented a legislative effort to regulate, enhance safety, and create space for professional interventions, while explicitly excluding social workers. This qualitative study used focus group discussions with traditional leaders, medical practitioners, parents, recent initiates, and COGTA representatives in OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo districts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Six themes emerged: stakeholder roles and responsibilities; preparation and permission processes; psychological and mental health assessment; gender considerations in social work involvement; challenges, fatalities, and government interventions; and cultural competence and collaboration. The findings revealed support for the Act but identified limitations in its emphasis on medical assessments without corresponding psychosocial assessment. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating social workers to provide holistic, culturally sensitive psychosocial support within ulwaluko.