Traditional initiation represents the transition to adulthood for young men and is practiced annually in many ethnic communities in Africa, including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda communities. As part of the custom, the young men stay in the so-called initiation schools, where they learn about cultural values and responsibilities that await them in adult life. Part of the rite includes circumcision, which every year leads to mortality, which is why the state previously passed legislation.
Laws stipulate that initiation schools must be registered with the authorities, but this has not prevented the spread of illegal schools, in which a large number of deaths have been recorded. Parents pay for their children to be admitted to an initiation school, which for some is a financial incentive to start unregistered schools. Initiations are usually held during the winter (June–July) and summer (November–December) school holidays.
Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa told local media that 41 children died during the last ceremonies. He blamed the deaths on the negligence of initiation schools, including some registered ones, as well as parents who did not follow safety standards and medical advice.
“There is negligence in respect of health standards in some initiation schools. If you send a child to school and then do not monitor what happens to him, do not monitor the conditions and do not check whether he drinks water, you are putting him at risk,” warned Hlabisa. He also stated that unverified advice is often given to young people, such as avoiding drinking water to help wounds heal faster.
The Eastern Cape province has been highlighted as a particularly risky area, where 21 deaths have been recorded so far. The minister added that 41 people were arrested in connection with illegal initiation schools, including parents who provided incorrect information about the age of their children in order to be admitted.
According to the laws of South Africa, only children older than 16 may be admitted to the initiation school, with the consent of the parents. Despite the tragedies, traditional initiation still remains a widespread practice in many African communities, and the return of initiated young men is often marked by festive celebrations.
