Johannesburg: At least 48 boys and young men have died in South Africa during recent traditional circumcision initiation rites, raising alarm over unsafe practices at unregulated schools, authorities said.
Officials noted that nearly 476 deaths have been recorded in the past five years, despite laws requiring registration and safety standards. Victims often suffer from septic wounds, dehydration, and infections due to unhygienic conditions and lack of medical oversight.
The rites, seen as a passage into manhood, involve boys living in secluded huts, smeared in clay and wrapped in blankets, before undergoing circumcision by traditional practitioners. Successful initiates return to their communities with hymns and clan recitals, reinforcing cultural identity.
However, illegal initiation schools continue to operate, often admitting boys younger than 16 and using unsafe cutting tools. Reports of abuse, violence, and even kidnapping have further fueled concerns.
Authorities have mandated that schools register, meet hygiene standards, and admit boys only with parental consent. More than 5,000 legal schools exist, but enforcement remains difficult due to secrecy and rural isolation.
Health experts have urged medical exams before initiation, training for traditional surgeons, and bans on reusing surgical tools to reduce risks. Community leaders are also being called upon to monitor practices and protect young initiates.
