COGTA MEC Fikile Xasa during his visit at initiation schools in Mbizana called on role players including sector departments to work together to guarantee the proper registration of boys before the initiation season starts. He said the improper registration of boys led to the manipulation of the entire process by dishonest traditional surgeons and nurses, hence appearance of illegal initiation schools.
MEC Xasa said premedical examination is key to saving lives especially to young boys with health challenges including asthma and other ailments.
“The work of our monitoring teams is commendable, however, we remain concerned about the number of deaths in the Province. Community structures ought to be active and assist members of the forums pre and during the initiation seasons,” said MEC Xasa.
He called for the consolidation of a report detailing all the challenges and success stories to educate communities including on matters of societal and family breakdown.
MEC Xasa said the circumcision of underage circumcision boys is painful and unacceptable. He added that the acquittal of suspects facing charges of unlawful circumcision by courts of law is receiving attention to formulate concrete charges against them for successful prosecutions.
“Our government takes the initiation practice seriously hence our monitoring visits to flashpoints. The issue of cold weather should have been well prepared for, including,” he said.
MEC Xasa encouraged all key stakeholders to account for their roles in the initiation process including government, traditional leaders and parents to save lives and restore the dignity of the tradition.
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