- Deaths at initiation schools in the Eastern Cape have jumped from eight to 17, with most deaths happening in illegal schools.
- Dehydration, infections and initiates not taking their regular medicine are the main causes of these deaths.
The number of young men who have died at initiation schools in the Eastern Cape has more than doubled in just one week, climbing to 17.
Parliament sent its team to check what’s happening in the province. Cogta Portfolio Committee chairperson Zweli Mkhize wants tough action.
“We need full enforcement of the law as far as traditional initiation is concerned, the full co-operation of parents. Where there is transgression, action must be taken, particularly where there is cutting of corners, [and people are] generating money out of it,” Mkhize said.
Most deaths happened in two areas — the OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo districts. Many could have been prevented, said Mkhize.
“It looks like dehydration is a major cause of death of initiates in the Eastern Cape. The second cause of death is sepsis, an infection that gets into the blood, which again can be prevented.”
The third cause of death, he said, involves the acceptability of Western medicine among initiates. Western medicines are not allowed in initiation camps. But he said: “An initiate who has asthma and epilepsy, I [encourage] to take his medication.”
Some deaths were caused by careless traditional nurses.
In one case from Tsolo, an initiate died after his father took him from a legal school. Eastern Cape Cogta MEC Zolile Williams said this strange move led to tragedy.
“Unfortunately, the son died in his father’s care. That case is being investigated. There is an inquest,” he said.
Williams warned parents about illegal schools. “It had become very clear in the Eastern Cape that any parents who sent their children to illegal schools [should be aware that] those children would die,” he said.
“We are worried about the increasing number of deaths. Most initiates died in the OR Tambo district. Many of these deaths are illegal schools,” Williams said.
Pictured above: Traditional Xhosa initiates.
Source: Facebook
