Authorities have expressed concern over the rising initiates’ death toll as the number increased from 18 to 19 in the Eastern Cape yesterday.
They say since the official start of the winter traditional initiation season on June 21, there have been deaths each day and they were counting bodies instead of celebrating the graduation of initiates who finished the term healthy and strong.
Cooperative and traditional affairs spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam has appealed to traditional initiation forums to be more vigilant and follow up on all the deaths.
The death of a 17-year-old initiate at Gxulu Village in Libode on Monday evening brought the number of deaths to 19.
“We are sad and disappointed the deaths continue to happen despite all the efforts and interventions to prevent them,” said Ngam.
He said one of the areas that worried government and traditional leaders was that there were elements of abuse and assault of initiates.
“We are encouraged by efforts like that of the King Sabata Dalindyebo traditional initiation forum, which is investigating all the cases of assault including the recent and the only death so far in their area. We want efforts and commitment like that.”
In June 2014 there were 36 deaths and 10 penile amputations.
Earlier, Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa – who sent messages of condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised – warned traditional leaders, as custodians of the custom, they would have to account for the death of initiates in their respective areas.
More than 400000 boys have undergone the traditional rite of passage in the Eastern Cape from June 2006 to December 2014.
A total of 532 initiates have died, 233 had penile amputations and 5586 were admitted to hospital. Only 257 people have been arrested. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Worry over rising initiates’ death toll
They say since the official start of the winter traditional initiation season on June 21, there have been deaths each day and they were counting bodies instead of celebrating the graduation of initiates who finished the term healthy and strong.
Cooperative and traditional affairs spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam has appealed to traditional initiation forums to be more vigilant and follow up on all the deaths.
The death of a 17-year-old initiate at Gxulu Village in Libode on Monday evening brought the number of deaths to 19.
“We are sad and disappointed the deaths continue to happen despite all the efforts and interventions to prevent them,” said Ngam.
He said one of the areas that worried government and traditional leaders was that there were elements of abuse and assault of initiates.
“We are encouraged by efforts like that of the King Sabata Dalindyebo traditional initiation forum, which is investigating all the cases of assault including the recent and the only death so far in their area. We want efforts and commitment like that.”
In June 2014 there were 36 deaths and 10 penile amputations.
Earlier, Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa – who sent messages of condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised – warned traditional leaders, as custodians of the custom, they would have to account for the death of initiates in their respective areas.
More than 400000 boys have undergone the traditional rite of passage in the Eastern Cape from June 2006 to December 2014.
A total of 532 initiates have died, 233 had penile amputations and 5586 were admitted to hospital. Only 257 people have been arrested. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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