The Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has expressed concern over the deaths of 17 initiates in the Eastern Cape since the start of the summer initiation season in the province.

CAUSE OF DEATH

Cogta reports that most of the deaths were caused by dehydration amongst other illnesses. The department's Pheello Oliphant said: "The leading cause of the death of initiates this year is dehydration, pulmonary oedema, chest pains, hallucinations, and lack of screening, but above all, the most dominant problem is dehydration due to deprivation of water." 

BE CAUTIOUS

Oliphant has urged parents to ensure their children go to registered and licensed initiation schools. "Illegal initiation schools are the biggest contributors to the death of initiates," he said. The National Men's Forum convenor, Mbulelo Dyasi, also expressed concern over initiates who had health problems and were deprived of their treatment in bogus initiation schools. "If, for instance, we don't stop the deaths of initiates, we will have to do something. Maybe we will have to consider that call by Inkosi Nonkonyana but not at this stage," Dyasi said. By considering the call by Inkosi Nonkonyana, Dyasi is referring to Contralesa's call to postpone the initiation practice for two years until a solution to the problem is found. However, he expressed that he is opposed to this call for now.