The Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela condemns the recent cases of initiation deaths. Since the 2014 winter initiation season, the death toll has risen to 11, seven deaths in the Eastern Cape, one death in Khayelitsha, Western Cape and three in Mpumalanga.
“Once more we call on the traditional leadership, parents and communities to be on alert and report illegal schools as the majority of the initiates die at these illegal schools,” said Bapela.
The department urges traditional surgeons to work with professional services offered by the department of health to avoid deaths some of which are due to dehydration and septic shock which can be handled if care is applied.
The 2010 season on initiations was the worst with 419 initiates dying, in 2013, the number went down to over 100 and this is due to measures agreed with traditional leadership who through the House of Traditional Leadership agreed on.
The family, parents and legal guardians have to play a central role to ensure that young men are psychologically and physically fit to undergo initiation. It is important to also ensure that the initiates obtain medical check-ups and also receive proper after care two weeks after the initiation as this is a critical time for recovery.
The department reiterates that owners of illegal initiation schools be arrested and prosecuted. Furthermore, focus will be given to the initiation schools in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and Limpopo where there is a high enrolment of initiates.
Going forward, all the stakeholders are expected to play an active role in managing this customary practice. It is therefore important that collective efforts are made to rid initiations of bogus schools and commercialisation of the practice in the country.
Last week Friday, the Deputy Minister launched the initiation season in Umtata, Eastern Cape with the provincial house of traditional leaders and MEC for Traditional Affairs. The Eastern Cape department of Social Development has also availed vehicles for all the legal schools in the province to ensure that they have resources.
“We call for the countdown to zero fatalities in initiation schools. Suitably qualified, appropriately trained and registered traditional surgeons must be allowed to perform circumcision on male initiates on approved and designated facilities by the appropriate authorities,” said Bapela.
To report illegal schools, citizens are encouraged to call:
- Department of Health: Collen Bonnecwe 012 395 8021
- Department of Traditional Affairs: Modiegi Madiga on 082 822 5878
- National House of Traditional Leaders: Kgoshi Mahlangu, on 071 461 0475 or Nkululeko Nxesi 072 530 8090
Enquiries:
Sfiso Ngcobo
Cell: 071 421 9592
