South Africa: 41 Deaths Linked to Circumcision Rituals
Authorities have announced at least 41 deaths of young men in South Africa due to circumcision procedures during traditional initiation ceremonies in November and December. These initiations, a rite of passage into manhood, often involve unregistered schools where negligence and failure to adhere to safety standards are prevalent. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa attributed the fatalities to issues within initiation schools, along with the lack of monitoring by the parents. The Eastern Cape province has seen the highest number of deaths and arrests have been made in connection to illegal initiation schools.
John Q. Hosedrinker