Initiation monitors on high alert in EC
Rogue elements still circumcising boys
Initiation monitoring teams in the Eastern Cape are on high alert for illegal schools.
Several bogus traditional surgeons were arrested earlier this month amid the suspension of the winter initiation season due to the danger of Covid-19 transmission.
Co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Xolile Nqatha commended the good work done by the police and members of the district initiation forums in shutting down illegal initiation schools.
Nqatha said operating an initiation school was in contravention of the Disaster Management Act.
“So far 16 cases have been opened and 10 people arrested for unlawful circumcision and contravention of the regulations.
“In all, 24 illegal amabhuma (initiate lodges) have been closed down. We thank members of the various communities for alerting us to these illegal operations,” Nqatha said.
Affected areas include Ngqeleni, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Port St Johns, Tsolo, Indwe, Mdantsane, Scenery Park and Nxarhuni.
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chair Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana urged traditional leaders to guard against illegal local initiation activities.
“We call on parents and families to observe the lockdown regulations by not sending their kids to the bush.
“Equally, parents must open criminal cases against people who circumcise their boys without their consent,” Nonkonyana said.
The OR Tambo traditional initiation forum is led by Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo, who is also Contralesa’s provincial secretary.
AmaMpondo AseNyandeni King Ndamase Ndamase, whose area is also plagued by illegal circumcisions, said: “Communities must be vigilant and assist police to arrest and jail all these criminals. The justice system must impose heavy sentences to stop these occurrences.
“If these people just get a slap on the wrist they will only defy and undermine authority again next time. We cannot have people dicing with the lives of our children.”
Since the traditional initiation season is suspended, not a single traditional surgeon or nurse in the country has a permit to perform a circumcision or run an initiation school.