At least 20 initiates have been reported to have died in the Eastern Cape since the start of this summer initiation season.
Reports indicate that the causes of death include dehydration, underlying health conditions, co- morbidities, diabetes and complications related to underage circumcision.
The MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams says some of the deaths are unnecessary, because some of these initiates die due to the deprivation of water.
Traditional surgeons are trained by the department of health and given empowerment and understanding in how to use water with the initiates, – said MEC Williams.
The MEC further added that only those that are not trained by the department and are not legally registered to be traditional surgeons make mistakes causing the deaths of initiates.
