In December, just like around June, thousands of boys from the Eastern Cape head to the mountains to undergoulwaluko(initiation) — a rite of passage which culminates in them returning as men. We pride ourselves in this custom which brings so much joy and happiness, especially during the homecoming ceremonies. However, it is a custom that has equally brought so much sorrow and tears to some families who lose their boys while going through the ritual.
Barely two weeks into the start of this summer season, five initiates have died. These are boys who left their homes for the mountains healthy, only to return in body bags. We grieve with their families.
Statistics of casualties read like a horror script. Over 10 initiates lost their lives during this year’s winter season. In the same period in 2024 a total of 14 deaths were recorded, while 113 boys were admitted to hospital.
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Between 2006 and January 2020 about 1,100 initiates died, while close to 10,000 were hospitalised after some questionable practices at the initiation schools. Over the years hundreds more needed penile amputations to save their lives. Clearly, it’s no longer a case of “if lives will be lost” but how many each season.
We wonder, then, why traditional and political leaders would appear to be shocked at learning about the deaths. Curiously, the reasons behind the recurrent deaths are similar every year. Bogus initiation schools and circumcision of underage boys are some of the contributory factors.
Already 21 people have been arrested for performing illegal circumcisions this season while in winter there were 70. It begs the question as to where these people get the audacity to commit a crime of this magnitude. Is it because in most of the cases, perpetrators walk scot-free as parents of initiates refuse to open cases against them?
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