Another 17 boys sustain injuries at initiation school

29 June 2016

The Democratic Alliance in the North West is deeply concerned by reports that 17 boys from Lehurutse, near Zeerust, were taken to a hospital as a result of wounds sustained from botched circumcisions. 

We have repeatedly called on the Department of Traditional Affairs and Culture to take preventative measures aimed at ensuring that initiation schools are registered and carry out their functions within the relevant legislative framework.

 It is alarming that there are no proper mechanisms in place to ensure that illegal initiation schools are reported by the community. The Department of Traditional Affairs and Culture seems not to have a plan in place to monitor initiation schools to prevent botched circumcisions. 

If illegal initiation schools are left unmonitored it results in irreparably damage to the wellbeing of young boys and even the loss of life. 

The DA reiterates its call for the Department of Traditional Affairs to urgently establish a toll free number for community members to alert authorities if any illegal initiation schools have been opened in their areas.

Issued by Tutu Faleni, DA Spokesperson on Traditional Affairs and Culture, 29 June 2016