Initiation Deaths News Today

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged traditional leaders to do more to prevent the loss of life during initiations.

CONTRALESA chair Kgoshi Mokoena says this years deaths are an embarrassment for the congress, and that extraordinary measures will be needed to curb future losses.

The death toll for this year’s summer initiation season has risen to 31, eight more than the 23 recorded during the entire season last year — and there are still three weeks to go.

Eastern Cape leaders have expressed shock as the initiation death toll ballooned to 12 after the fatal shooting of two initiates, who were brothers, in Ngqamakhwe on Monday. The first death in the initiation season was that of a 20-year-old, who was allegedly killed by a group of men in a Lusikisiki village.

Twenty people have been arrested in the Eastern Cape for numerous cases related to unlawful circumcision of young men during the traditional 2023 winter initiation season.This is a script that has become all too familiar every year.

Officials say the aim is to start a robust discussion and advocate for the recognition of mothers as critical role players in the circumcision process.

The number of teenage boys whove died in that province this initiation season has risen even further. Thirty-four fatalities have been reported.