Tragic start to initiation season sees 19 deaths

MEC: ‘Bring perpetrators to book’

Nineteen initiates have died in the province since the beginning of the summer initiation season, with two of the deaths in the Chris Hani district.

Corporative governance and traditional affairs MEC Zolile Williams said six deaths were reported in the OR Tambo region, two in the Chris Hani district, three in Alfred Nzo, two in Amathole, two in BCM, and four in the Joe Gqabi district.

The MEC said the causes of the deaths were being investigated.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and their next of kin,” Williams said.

“We encourage parents, guardians and families to visit Amabhuma [huts] and initiation schools every day.

“Where there is suspicion of foul play, we encourage them to open criminal cases against those entrusted with the care of their children.”

He commended the initiation monitoring teams including sector departments, non-governmental organisations, members of the SA Police Services, traditional leaders, municipalities, parents and guardians, and other key stakeholders for their efforts to try ensure a safe initiation season.

“These are our foot soldiers whose dedication to the cause of culture, custom and tradition remains our never-ending source of encouragement and dedication to Ulwaluko [initiation],” Williams said.

“We will scrutinise the report of the Strategic Summit on Customary Male Initiation and formulate a solid and implementable plan for the winter season and beyond.”

He said the deaths would not have happened if all role players involved, including parents, guardians and families, had played

One initiate was beaten while others had some illnesses and were not given medication

their part in ensuring the young initiates’ health and safety.

He said some parents did work with government, however, they and other parents needed to do more to mitigate the risks associated with the custom.

“[So far], 69 people have been arrested for unlawful circumcision, deaths of Abakhwetha [initiates] and other suspected criminal activities.

“Of this number, 28 are females and 18 were arrested in Mbizana, three in Buffalo City Metro, 17 in OR Tambo and three in Chris Hani,” he said.

On his Facebook page on Monday, Williams said: “Two of the initiates were shot in Ngqamakhwe and it was related to the ritual.

“In Lady Grey, one initiate died and 18 died in other parts of the province.

“The law was not followed when four initiates were sent to the mountain, where one initiate was beaten, while others had some illnesses and were not given medication and that led to some dying due to their illnesses.”

Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee chairperson, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, said government interventions could not cover the length and breadth of the province, and as such it was vital communities played their role in preventing unnecessary deaths.

“One death is one too many because customary male initiation does not kill, save for the neglect and carelessness by some parents, guardians and Amakhankatha [nurses].

“We call on law enforcement to investigate these deaths and bring the perpetrators to book,” Gwadiso said.