Only two weeks into the start of the 2026 summer customary male initiation season in the Eastern Cape, and 21 people have been arrested for alleged illegal circumcision, while five initiate deaths have been recorded across the province.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Zolile Williams, said metro and district monitoring teams were scattered throughout the province to guarantee the safe passage to manhood. He said the work done by the teams was commendable in helping to mitigate the risks associated with negligence and neglect by some parents.
“We are concerned about the illegal initiation schools in some parts of the province and commend those who comply with the prescripts of the law for the safe passage of boys to manhood. Twenty-one people have been arrested for alleged illegal circumcision. We commend our teams and the SAPS for stamping the authority of our government against lawbreakers,” he said.
He said the arm of the law should take its course without fear or favour against those who break it, including errant parents. “Five deaths have been recorded thus far in the province, with one in Buffalo City Metro, two in the Chris Hani district and two more in the OR Tambo district.”
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, decried the alleged death by hanging in the Chris Hani district.
“Let the police investigate the matter to bring closure to the parents and family of the deceased. The deaths are disappointing given the awareness campaigns undertaken through training and Imbizo yamadoda,” he said. He encouraged monitoring teams not to be discouraged but rather to focus on mitigating risks until the end of the season. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” said Nkosi Gwadiso.
Police had not confirmed the arrests and the areas where they occurred at the time of going to print.
