Seven die at bogus initiation schools
It is believed that initiates - who died at different schools - had suffered from complications ranging from suspected dehydration, asthma attacks and hyperpyrexia (increased body temperature).
Calls have been made by members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders to clamp down on the burgeoning number of illegal initiation schools operating in Bizana and surrounding areas.
Seven initiates had already died since the start of the winter season two weeks ago, said Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC. Xolile Nqata, and 69 were rescued on Monday this week.
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Some of these were taken to a rescue centre for medical treatment while others were re-united with their families.
It is believed that initiates – who died at different schools – had suffered from complications ranging from suspected dehydration, asthma attacks and hyperpyrexia (increased body temperature).
According to the MEC, one bogus traditional surgeon had been arrested, along with two traditional nurses.
“It is a relief that we have rescued those boys because something tragic, including loss of life, could have happened.”
The MEC said he was very concerned about illegal initiation schools operating in Bizana and Ndabankulu in the Alfred Nzo District, stressing that steps would be taken against these.
Cogta spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam, said rescue efforts were a joint initiative between the department and non-governmental organisation, Ikamva-Lesizwe Institute.
“The practice itself does not kill, what kills is the abuse that is meted out to the initiates during this period.”
He added that a number of campaigns had been mounted, advocating the safe passage of initiates through a five-pillar approach.
“One of the key pillars is the monitoring of illegal initiation schools.”
Ayabonga Nqetho of the Inkamva-Lesizwe Insitute explained that the rescued initiates had been under age, had not completed pre-screening as required, and some had not received permission from their parents or traditional councils.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders’ chairman, Nkosi Nonkonyana said there must be a joint effort to tackle the issue of illegal traditional surgeons and schools.
“These are criminals doing this, bringing this custom into disrepute and actually denying children the right to life.”
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