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Botched circumcisions claim 43 lives in S. Africa

Xinhua, December 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The death toll from botched circumcisions has risen to 43 nationwide since the summer initiation season began in November, newly appointed Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, David van Rooyen said on Tuesday.

This "is totally unacceptable", Van Rooyen told reporters in Pretoria.

Eastern Cape Province reported 30 deaths, to be followed by Free State (six), Northern Cape (three), Western Cape (two), Gauteng (one) and North West (one).

Van Rooyen said the circumcision ritual faces challenges which include abductions, kidnappings, and mushrooming of illegal and unregistered schools.

"We are working with various stakeholders across various sectors to ensure that our young men can undergo this rite of passage in a safe manner," the minister said.

He urged parents and guardians to send their young men to registered initiation schools.

These schools, he said, should abide by the rules and regulations initiated by the Department of Health.

"We are also working with the department of Health on awareness campaigns to prepare for the next seasons," Van Rooyen said.

He pledged committment to engaging all stakeholders in the local government sector, from traditional leaders, NGOs to business communities, and expanding on partnerships that have been developed over the years.

"We look forward to engaging with the South African Local Government Association and the Labour movements to ensure they play their meaningful role so that we can all execute on what needs to be accomplished together," Van Rooyen said.

Illegal initiation rituals, which do not meet health and safety standards, claim many lives in South Africa every year.

Between 2005 and 2015, more than 500 initiates died while 300 have lost their manhood, official statistics show.

According to local custom, circumcisions are normally viewed as a traditional passage for a young boy to enter manhood.

Traditional leaders and local authorities have been campaigning to ensure that circumcisions meet stringent health and safety standards. Endit