ANC STATEMENT ON THE DEATHS IN INITIATION SCHOOLS
The African National Congress views the death of 29 initiates in Mpumalanga and the six announced yesterday at Sekhukhune in Limpopo as a tragic result of a process whose tragic end could be avoided. The ANC Is very disappointed that ever since the first pronouncement of deaths of our young men in the initiation schools particularly around Mpumalanga, there does not seem to have been any urgency in investigating the circumstances that led to their death.
This is very concerning that we still have thousands of young men who are still undergoing the initiation whose fate is under threat unless we understand and mitigate the causal factor to the many deaths that occurred in the initiation schools. In line with the statement of President Zuma, we emphasise the need for urgent investigation into these deaths and bringing to book those responsible (any persons or groups) for these deaths. While we are fully supportive of the practice of initiation we believe it should not be a death sentence to so many young people who had their lives ahead of them cut short.
It is our view that the pending investigations will leave no stone unturned in bringing out the reasons why we lost so many young men. This will be instrumental in assuring parents of the thousands of young men that are still undergoing initiation that the lives of their loved ones are not under threat. We believe that the investigation will include all parties that bear responsibility for these schools. We expect that those behind this cultural practice including provincial governments and traditional leaders will assure the public and the nation that these will never recur.
The ANC once again conveys condolences to bereaved families who should be still trying to come to terms with the tragic end of the lives of the deceased at such tender age. We call on our structures and communities to give support to these families.
Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC National Spokesperson, May 22 2013
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