Tribal leaders vow action after six initiates die as a result of circumcisions

The Eastern Cape government is alarmed at the death of six initiates over the weekend.

Five died from dehydration and septicaemia and one committed suicide, said cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam yesterday.

The first three deaths of the summer initiation season were reported on Sunday morning. There were three more by Sunday evening.

State and traditional leaders working for a zero death toll have started to panic and are trying to restrategise.

At first they were buoyed by a dramatic decline in deaths during the winter season.

A shocked Ngam said: “In the past two weeks we were happy that it was nice and quiet and we were praying for God’s miracle that there would be no deaths at all.’’

All the latest deaths were reported in the OR Tambo district except for one in Joe Gqabi. The six who died were from Flagstaff, Port St Johns, Ngqeleni, Mthatha (2) and Aliwal North.

Chris Hani district, previously a high-risk area for deaths in summer because of its extreme temperatures, has recorded no fatalities.

Ngam said half of the initiates who died were underage, with the youngest being 15.

Provincial health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said there were fears that three initiates admitted at various hospitals may need penile amputations.

“They were admitted with gangrenous penises and presenting high levels of heat exhaustion. There were also allegations that they were denied water and food,’’ said Kupelo.

On a brighter note, fewer initiates had been admitted to hospitals this season, he added.

Ngam said police, traditional leaders and the government would thoroughly investigate the causes of the deaths.

“According to the information we have so far, there were non-initiates who died due to assaults.

“It is worrying that we still have underage children being circumcised. Initiation is not child’s play,’’ said Ngam.

“One initiate, who was underage, is reported to have said that he was experiencing fatigue, fell asleep and never woke up,’’ said Ngam.

The Western Mpondoland and AbaThembu kingdoms were shocked by the deaths yesterday.

AbaThembu acting king Azenathi Dalindyebo and Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase will be visiting initiation schools in their areas of jurisdiction today and tomorrow.

The monarchs have sent their messages of condolences to the bereaved families and said they were praying for the speedy recovery of those who were in hospital.

Dalindyebo and Ndamase, speaking through their spokesman Prince Mlamli Ndamase, called on parents to be vigilant over their sons.

“’This is shocking. One death is too many and six is a disaster.

“This could have been prevented had people abided by the law regulating the rite. We urge fathers and uncles to ensure that they take leave from work to be at the initiation school 24-7,’’ said Dalindyebo.

“The underage initiate who died in Ngqeleni escaped from home and went to be circumcised without the blessing of his father.

“The father received a call that his kidnapped son was dying in an illegal school,’’ said Prince Ndamase.

Both royals said they were looking at enforcing a customary practice of fining those who harmed initiates. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za