**South African Group Investigates Deaths Attributed to Initiation Rites**
A South African rights commission has initiated an investigation following the tragic deaths of 43 young men during customary initiation rites this winter. These rites, which include circumcision, are traditional coming-of-age ceremonies that signify the transition to adulthood in various communities.
Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, the chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, emphasized that the fatalities should not be viewed as an acceptable aspect of these cultural practices. During a media briefing, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, alongside Deputy Chairperson Prince George Mahlangu, announced the formation of a committee to investigate the deaths and alleged abuses occurring at initiation schools.
The initiation season has seen alarming statistics, with authorities reporting not only the 43 fatalities but also 75 hospitalizations, 180 rescues, 12 abductions, and 40 arrests. This surge in incidents has raised significant concerns among community leaders and rights advocates.
In response to these escalating issues, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva revealed plans for a Section Seven Committee, which is set to commence operations in August. This committee will review the last decade of initiation practices, during which over 600 deaths have been documented across various provinces. Mahlangu noted that the review will highlight concerning trends regarding the safety of initiates.
“We intend to start the Section Seven Committee in August. We have already started the background work, and we have commissioners who have been asked to be part of the process. We want to be fully informed about what is happening, as some provinces have regressed,” Mahlangu stated.
The introduction of the Customary Initiation Act 2 of 2021, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is seen as a pivotal step in addressing these issues. The Act imposes stringent penalties on those who fail to ensure the safety of initiates, including the possibility of imprisonment. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva underscored the Act's significance, asserting, “There will be no holy cows in this process because one death is one too many. We cannot continue to witness these fatalities as if they are an accepted norm.”
The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) has also called for police investigations into allegations that some initiation school principals have instructed their staff to deny medical access to initiates. This has raised further concerns about the safety and welfare of participants in these rites.
According to the latest figures, the province of Mpumalanga has reported the highest number of deaths, totaling 18, followed by the Eastern Cape with 14, North West with four, and Gauteng and Free State, each with two fatalities.
Mahlangu discussed the timeline for the investigative processes, stating, “We have taken a phased approach to these hearings to ensure that we can provide information that will assist us to mitigate these challenges, especially as we head into the December initiation season.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders to verify reported incidents, including claims that medical practitioners were obstructed from providing care.
As preparations for the Section Seven Committee's work continue, Mahlangu reiterated the necessity for accountability and the implementation of the Customary Initiation Act. “If we do not implement this Act fully, we would be failing our people,” he cautioned.
Edward Mafadza, CEO of the CRL Rights Commission, expressed confidence that insights gained from the recent Initiation Indaba would play a crucial role in establishing proper regulations for initiation schools and their stakeholders. “Since that initiation indaba, we have distributed resolutions to our stakeholders,” he stated, emphasizing the committee's commitment to evaluating compliance and effectiveness in improving the safety of initiation practices.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of young men participating in these cultural rites, with the hope that necessary reforms will prevent future tragedies.