Initiation ceremonies practiced in several African communities include the mass circumcision of young men who reach adulthood
Every year, the circumcision component of these traditional initiation ceremonies causes the death of some participants. This year, during the winter ceremonies, which take place between November and December, deaths have already exceeded four dozen.
At least 41 young people died as a result of circumcision procedures during traditional initiation activities in South Africa in November and December, South African authorities revealed.
This traditional initiation, which constitutes a rite of passage into adulthoodis practiced annually by several African ethnic groups, including in some regions of South Africa. These include the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda communities, note a .
Traditionally, young people are isolated in initiation schoolswhere they are transmitted cultural values and responsibilities associated with the transition to adulthood. Every year, the circumcision component of these initiations causes the death of some participants, which has led the government to intervene through legislation.
The law currently obliges initiation schools to register with the authorities, but this did not prevent the proliferation of illegal schoolswhere many of these deaths end up occurring.
Parents are normally responsible for paying children’s attendance at these schools during the stipulated period, which, for some, constitutes a financial incentive to open unregistered initiation schools.
Initiation periods usually take place during the winter school holidays, between June and July, and summer, between November and December.
Speaking to local television channels this Tuesday, the Minister of Traditional Affairs of South Africa, Vernkosi Promiseconfirmed the deaths of 41 young people during this year’s summer initiations.
The ruler held both initiation schools responsibleincluding registered ones, clike parents, for not complying with safety standards and medical guidelines.
According to Hlabisa, among the often given unfounded advice to young people, it is recommendation to avoid drinking water to heal faster.
“There is negligence regarding compliance with health standards in some initiation schools. If you take your child to one of these schools, but never follow up, don’t check, Don’t go there and see if he’s drinking wateris the put your child at risk”, he warned.
The Eastern Cape province, where 21 victims have been reported so far, was identified as the main focus of these deaths. Hlabisa also said that 41 people were detained for involvement in initiation schools illegal, including parents who gave false ages of their children so that they could be admitted.
According to South African law, only young people with 16 years or older, with parental consent.
Traditional initiation is widely practiced in several African communities, being the return of young people after the ritual reason for cultural celebrations marked by joy — a feeling that is, unfortunately, not shared by the families of those who do not survive the procedures.
