Although this year’s summer season initiation death toll has risen to 11, it is still less than half the figure compared with the equivalent period last year.
Last year 25 initiates had died and experts said the decrease this year was a result of increased monitoring and involvement by authorities.
Despite the improvement, cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa said they were still not happy.
“Already this figure is too high as we have been aiming for zero deaths in the province,” said Xasa.
“So, we cannot say we are happy with the reduction while some initiates have died.”
Xasa yesterday visited several initiation schools in Libode.
He was accompanied by Contralesa general-secretary Nkosi Xolile Ndevu, members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, local traditional leaders and officials when he visited Mdlankomo and Misty Mount villages.
Xasa and Ndevu attributed the decrease in initiation deaths this year to improved participation of traditional leaders, communities and parents.
The initiate deaths include two in Mdantsane, one in Cofimvaba, two in Ngcobo, two in Matatiele, one in Butterworth, one in Ngqeleni, one in Burgersdorp and one in Mbizana.
Xasa and Ndevu said the situation in Mpondoland, a problematic area in the past, had improved drastically.
“I was surprised by the commitment of the initiation forum in Lusikisiki and now I am impressed with the passion shown by the forum in Nyandeni,” said Xasa.
“At least we are making a difference,” said Xasa.
Ndevu said the fact there had only been one death in the OR Tambo region, which in the past had always recorded high numbers, showed that awareness around safe initiation practices was working.
Xasa said dehydration continued to be one of the major causes of deaths among initiates.
Four of the 11 deaths were caused by dehydration, two from septicaemia, and one of assault.
Xasa and Ndevu sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and Xasa said he would visit Ngcobo and Cofimvaba this week where “we have heard that there were some traditional surgeons not doing their jobs properly”.
Although the MEC and his entourage were happy to find most initiates visited in good condition.
Xasa said he had been impressed with traditional leader Zanokhanyo Mkono who had removed initiates from illegal schools into one school which was functioning as a rescue centre. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
EC’s summer initiation death toll decreases
Last year 25 initiates had died and experts said the decrease this year was a result of increased monitoring and involvement by authorities.
Despite the improvement, cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa said they were still not happy.
“Already this figure is too high as we have been aiming for zero deaths in the province,” said Xasa.
“So, we cannot say we are happy with the reduction while some initiates have died.”
Xasa yesterday visited several initiation schools in Libode.
He was accompanied by Contralesa general-secretary Nkosi Xolile Ndevu, members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, local traditional leaders and officials when he visited Mdlankomo and Misty Mount villages.
Xasa and Ndevu attributed the decrease in initiation deaths this year to improved participation of traditional leaders, communities and parents.
The initiate deaths include two in Mdantsane, one in Cofimvaba, two in Ngcobo, two in Matatiele, one in Butterworth, one in Ngqeleni, one in Burgersdorp and one in Mbizana.
Xasa and Ndevu said the situation in Mpondoland, a problematic area in the past, had improved drastically.
“I was surprised by the commitment of the initiation forum in Lusikisiki and now I am impressed with the passion shown by the forum in Nyandeni,” said Xasa.
“At least we are making a difference,” said Xasa.
Ndevu said the fact there had only been one death in the OR Tambo region, which in the past had always recorded high numbers, showed that awareness around safe initiation practices was working.
Xasa said dehydration continued to be one of the major causes of deaths among initiates.
Four of the 11 deaths were caused by dehydration, two from septicaemia, and one of assault.
Xasa and Ndevu sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and Xasa said he would visit Ngcobo and Cofimvaba this week where “we have heard that there were some traditional surgeons not doing their jobs properly”.
Although the MEC and his entourage were happy to find most initiates visited in good condition.
Xasa said he had been impressed with traditional leader Zanokhanyo Mkono who had removed initiates from illegal schools into one school which was functioning as a rescue centre. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos