FORTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Ntuthuzelo Tywalana from Qumbu, north of Mthatha, was the oldest of the 39 initiates who died in the province this season.
He complained of stomach cramps a few weeks after returning from initiation school and within hours he was dead.
Tywalana’s aunt, Nobusikhaya Tywalanasaid the family was shocked by his death.
“At the ripe age of 43, no one expected he would die from this. The family still can’t believe he’s gone.”
She said Tywalana died as a result of complications allegedly experienced as a result of his circumcision.
“We weren’t told exactly what happened because we are women, but we heard he was complaining about stomach cramps. These lasted a few hours and he was dead,” she said.
Tywalana, who was orphaned at a young age, was nothad never married and had no children. He missed being circumcised when he was younger as he left the Eastern Cape and moved to Cape Town in his early 20s.
“At some stage he became unwell and returned home,” said Nobusikhaya.
Once back in the village Tywalana did odd jobs to support his family.
“He was well respected and never had a fight with anyone. He was a special person in this village,” said his aunt. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za