Seventeen initiates have tragically died during the Eastern Cape's summer initiation season, raising concerns about illegal practices and the role of traditional nurses.
Careless traditional nurses and illegal circumcisions causing septic wounds have been cited as among the reasons for the deaths of 17 initiates during the Eastern Cape summer initiation season.
The death toll increased by nine following the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ three-day oversight visit to Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts which are historically hotspots for initiation-related deaths.
A number of issues, including dehydration and infections, mostly in illegal initiation schools, were cited as major contributors to the incidents.
Some deaths were caused by careless traditional nurses.
One initiate was burned beyond recognition in his hut near Stutterheim, and another died from lung issues.
Eastern Cape Cogta MEC Zolile Williams said in another case in Tsolo, an initiate died after his father removed him from a legal school.
“Unfortunately, the son died in his father’s care. That case is being investigated.
“We are worried about the increasing number of deaths. Most initiates died in the OR Tambo district. Many of these deaths are illegal schools,” he said.
According to committee chairperson Zweli Mkhize, the recent oversight was to assess sites in the municipality to ensure compliance with the Customary Initiation Act.
He said no tangible or satisfactory report was provided on the arrest of the perpetrators of illegal initiations.
“It looks like dehydration is a major cause of death of initiates in the Eastern Cape.
“It (is) important to act against such perpetrators to stop the death of initiates, some of whom are breadwinners.
A more aggressive fight is (needed) to stop the death of initiates.
“The fight should be likened to the fight against HIV and Covid-19 as examples. This aggressiveness should be emulated to prevent initiates’ deaths. All those involved in the initiation should uphold the slogan ‘they must go alive and come back alive’ meaningfully,” said Mkhize.
He said the initiation was a complex tradition and lives were lost largely because of ignorance and the wrong mindset.
Mkhize called for proper alignment between all the role-players who were implementing the tradition to change mindsets and the full co-operation of parents.
Western Cape Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (WCPPIC) member and Somagwaza Institute chairperson Sikelala Zokufa said they had a good summer season so far with zero deaths.
“On Monday we celebrated the return of 52 people that went through the rite of passage to transition from boyhood to manhood. This also included three over-aged boys living with disabilities.
“We are anticipating more to return and welcome them with joyous celebrations. As the WCPPIC we are proud of the turnout of the season,” he said.
Cape Times
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