South Africa: Mass Circumcision Ritual Kills Boys, Mutilates Others
The Ulwaluko rite, a traditional Xhosa circumcision ceremony marking the transition to manhood, concluded in 2025 with 39 deaths. Criticism primarily targets illegal initiation schools where untrained practitioners perform the circumcisions, leading to numerous complications. Authorities, including the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, have vowed to reduce fatalities by closing schools that violate safety regulations. Despite the decrease from previous years, a concerning number of deaths have occurred due to unsanitary tools and inadequate medical care, emphasizing the need for qualified practitioners and safer practices.
John Q. Hosedrinker