Scores of initiates died in E Cape, hearing told

83 Dead in Eastern Cape from Circumcision

Traditional circumcision rites have killed 83 initiates in the Eastern Cape alone between 1996 and 2005, public hearings into initiation schools have been told.

There had been 19 more deaths in the province this year. Another 63 initiates had to undergo amputations, while 562 were hospitalised, Eastern Cape Health Department officials said on the second day of the hearings in Lusikisiki yesterday.

These are shocking statistics, said Mongezi Guma, chairperson of the commission for the promotion and protection of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities ( CRL Commission).

We hope that at the end of this process an integrated system of accountability will be developed, said Guma, who also chaired the panel.

It heard that most of the deaths were in Pondoland, and most were caused by meningitis, physical abuse, hunger, dehydration, pneumonia, septicaemia and neglect.

This is happening despite the fact that the provincial Health Department has dedicated more than 60 health officers to monitor the implementation of this cultural practice, the CRL Commission,  SA Human Rights Commission and National House of Traditional Leaders said in a joint statement.

Some delegates were asking why the Health Department was handling the practice when traditional leaders and the Culture and Heritage Department were directly concerned with practices including initiation and circumcision.

 Back to the News 2006 page.

The Circumcision Information and Resource Pages are a not-for-profit educational resource and library. IntactiWiki hosts this website but is not responsible for the content of this site. CIRP makes documents available without charge, for informational purposes only. The contents of this site are not intended to replace the professional medical or legal advice of a licensed practitioner.

  © CIRP.org 1996-2024 | Filetree | Please visit our sponsor and host:  IntactiWiki.