By Anita Dangazele
At least eight initiates have died in the Eastern Cape since the start of the summer initiation season, according to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
Cogta MEC Zolile Williams said the deaths could have been avoided.
“It’s quite regrettable whilst we send our deepest condolences, but we argue that these deaths should not be happening if parents and communities around these areas were serious about the safety of their children when they are in traditional initiation schools,” he said.
Williams revealed that six of the deaths were due to dehydration, with the initiates’ wounds becoming septic after illegal circumcisions. Another initiate was burnt beyond recognition in his hut in Stutterheim, and one died from lung complications.
During the winter initiation season, 14 initiates lost their lives in the province.
Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, Chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, said the ongoing deaths are alarming despite efforts to raise awareness.
“We still experience these deaths so far, but we are monitoring the situation very closely. I must say that we are hoping that it will not escalate, it will not go beyond what has happened thus far,” he said.
Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, Provincial Chairperson of Contralesa, called for a two-year ban on initiation schools to address the crisis.
“Hence we call upon the government to impose a moratorium for at least two years so that the execution of traditional leadership inclusive of our communities and government can adopt new and innovative measures to uproot causes of such deaths and ensure that the initiates are actually initiated properly and to save their lives,” Nonkonyana said.
Cogta is expected to visit initiation schools across the province this week to ensure compliance and prevent further deaths.
Pictured above: Initiates walking on a field in Eastern Cape.
Source: X
