The death toll linked to illegal initiation schools in the Eastern Cape has climbed to 17 during the current summer initiation season, with authorities confirming that recent fatalities were caused by assault and severe dehydration.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, is undertaking an urgent oversight visit to the OR Tambo District, which has recorded the highest number of initiation-related deaths. The visit aims to engage traditional leaders, caregivers, and community stakeholders amid growing concern over unsafe practices at unregistered initiation schools.
Speaking in Mthatha, the chairperson of the OR Tambo Initiation Forum confirmed that six initiates have died in the district over the past three weeks. Investigations revealed that one boy died after sustaining serious assault injuries, while others succumbed to extreme dehydration, highlighting continued violations of initiation safety regulations.
Police have opened multiple criminal cases and arrested several suspects for unlawful circumcision and contraventions of initiation laws. Authorities are urging communities to report illegal initiation schools and work with law enforcement to shut them down.
Government and traditional leaders have renewed calls for stronger parental involvement and strict compliance with the Customary Initiation Act, stressing that every death is preventable and that collective action is needed to safeguard young initiates during this important cultural rite of passage.
