Initiation death toll increases to 40

AS THE summer initiation season draws to a close in the Eastern Cape, the death toll increased to 40 yesterday.

Deaths were recorded in the following districts: ● Chris Hani – 15 ● Joe Gqabi – 8 ● Alfred Nzo – 6 ● O R Tambo – 6 ● Amathole – 4 ● Buffalo City – 1 Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa said: “Whilst many families celebrate the safe passage of their sons to manhood through imigidi [traditional celebrations] others mourn the death of their loved ones.

“We cry and mourn with the bereaved families during this difficult time in their lives.”

The MEC reiterated that in line with a circular he issued at the beginning of the season outlining the responsibilities and obligations of traditional leaders to curb deaths, all traditional leaders in areas where deaths have occurred will be expected to provide full account. Xasa said the number of illegal initiation schools continued to grow, with underage children undergoing the ritual without parental consent.

“Many initiates died due to dehydration because traditional nurses, including family members, refuse to give water to initiates,” he said.

Other deaths are as a result of assaults and septicemia. Xasa said such deaths could have been avoided if there was constant monitoring and immediate referral to hospitals of the sick by parents and traditional nurses.

Xasa added that the hands-on support from various stakeholders including traditional initiation forums, traditional leaders, departments of health and social development, SAPS, municipalities, Community Development Foundation of South Africa (Codefsa) made a difference in ensuring the safe passage to manhood.

Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHTL) and Contralesa expressed concern over the high number of initiation deaths. —