Two weeks into the start of the summer Customary Male Initiation season, District and Metro monitoring teams are scattered throughout the Province of the Eastern Cape (EC) to guarantee the safe passage of the boys to manhood.The provincial MEC for Cogta Zoile Williams revealed that the work of the teams is commendable to mitigate the risks associated with negligence and neglect by some parents. “Twenty-one (21) people have been arrested for illegal circumcision. We commend our teams and the SAPS for stamping the authority of our government against law breakers,” said MEC Williams.
He also expressed his concern about the illegal Initiation schools in some parts of the province and commended those who comply with the prescripts of the law for the safe passage of boys to manhood. “Let the law take its course to those who break the law without fear or favour including against errant parents,” stressed MEC Williams.
Four (5) deaths have been recorded thus far, one (1) in BCM, two (2) in Chris Hani and two (2) in OR Tambo. The Chairperson of the EC House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders decried the death allegedly by hanging Chris Hani DM.
“Let the police investigate the matter to bring closure to the parents and family of the deceased. The deaths are disappointing given the awareness campaigns undertaken through training and Imbizo yamadoda, said Nkosi Gwadiso. He encouraged monitoring teams not to be discouraged but rather should shoulder on to mitigate risks until the end of the season. He sent the heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
