Thursday, January 1, 2026 - At least 41
young men have died following circumcision procedures linked to traditional
initiation activities in South Africa during November and December, authorities
have confirmed.
Traditional initiation is a long-standing rite of passage
into manhood practiced by several ethnic groups, including the Xhosa, Ndebele,
Sotho and Venda communities. During the process, initiates are typically
secluded at initiation schools where they receive cultural instruction, with
circumcision forming a central part of the ritual.
Despite existing laws requiring initiation schools to be
registered and monitored, illegal and unregulated schools continue to operate.
Authorities say many of the reported deaths occurred at such facilities, though
some registered schools were also implicated. Parents are required to pay fees
for admission, which officials say has encouraged the rise of unregistered
centres.
Initiation seasons usually coincide with school holidays,
particularly in winter (June–July) and summer (November–December).
South Africa’s Minister of Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini
Hlabisa, told local broadcasters that negligence by initiation schools and
parents contributed to the deaths. He noted that unsafe practices, including
advice discouraging initiates from drinking water, remain common.
“There is negligence in terms of meeting health standards in
some of the initiation schools,” Hlabisa said. “If you take your child to an
initiation school and do not monitor what is happening, you are placing that
child at risk.”
The Eastern Cape has been identified as a major hotspot,
accounting for 21 deaths so far. Authorities also confirmed that 41 people have
been arrested in connection with illegal initiation schools, including some
parents accused of falsifying their children’s ages.
Under South African law, only boys aged 16 and above may
attend initiation schools, and only with parental consent.
While traditional initiation remains culturally significant
and is often followed by celebratory homecomings, government officials continue
to urge stricter adherence to health standards to prevent further loss of life.
0 Comments