Authorities in South Africa say at least 41 young men have died during traditional initiation practices in November and December, with many of the deaths tied to circumcision procedures at unregulated schools.
The rite of passage, practiced in communities including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho, and Venda, involves seclusion in initiation schools where cultural instruction is given and circumcision is performed. Although the law requires these schools to be registered and monitored, illegal centres continue to operate, often driven by fees paid by families.
Officials say most of the deaths were reported at unregistered schools, though some licensed facilities were also implicated. Initiation seasons typically coincide with school holidays in June–July and November–December.
Minister of Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa said negligence by school operators and parents was a factor, warning that unsafe practices persist, including advice that initiates avoid drinking water.
“There is negligence in terms of meeting health standards in some of the initiation schools,” he said, adding that parents who fail to monitor conditions put their children at risk.
The Eastern Cape has recorded 21 deaths so far and remains the worst-affected province. Police say 41 people have been arrested in connection with illegal initiation operations, including parents accused of falsifying their children’s ages. By law, only boys aged 16 and over may attend, and only with parental consent.
While the rituals remain culturally important and often end with community celebrations, officials are calling for strict compliance with health standards to prevent further fatalities.
