17 initiates die in Eastern Cape: 'It could've been prevented' – EC Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
The Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo District Municipalities have been identified as major hotspots for these fatalities.
A picture of young boys from the Xhosa tribe attending a traditional initiation school in Libode in the Eastern Cape province. Picture: AFP
Africa Melane interviews Pheello Oliphant, Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (EC Cogta).
Listen below.
The Eastern Cape has experienced a devastating increase in initiation-related deaths, with 17 initiates losing their lives since the start of the summer initiation season.
The Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo District Municipalities have been identified as major hotspots for these fatalities.
RELATED: National Men's Forum calls for stricter laws to regulate initiation schools
According to Oliphant, dehydration has been the leading cause of death.
While this is a significant concern for the province, Oliphant believes that many of these deaths could have been prevented.
"It's something which can be overcome if people can obey the protocols that go with the tradition."
- Pheello Oliphant, Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
He emphasises that most of the deceased initiates were part of illegal initiation practices, where young people are abducted and subjected to circumcision by untrained individuals with no medical expertise.
This issue is the primary concern for the Eastern Cape provincial government, he adds, which is committed to addressing the dangers of illegal and unsafe initiation practices.
"They are appealing to the community to be the eyes and ears of government in our communities."
- Pheello Oliphant, Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.