The Department of Cooperative Governance has issued a warning to parents to avoid sending their children to illegal initiation schools after the tragic deaths of eight initiates in the Eastern Cape.

According to the department, seven of the fatalities were linked to illegal initiation schools, while one death occurred at a registered school in Butterworth. Department spokesperson, Pheello Oliphant, emphasised the importance of parents verifying the legitimacy of the schools they choose for their children, prioritising their safety and well-being. "The culprits who circumcised the teenagers have been arrested and are behind bars. The causes of the deaths in most instances are dehydration, septicemia, and inexperienced traditional surgeons who do not know about conducting the operation," said Oliphant.

In January, the department said that the summer initiation season recorded 34 deaths, with most of these being attributed to dehydration and avoidable incidents of sheer negligence. ActionSA provincial chairperson Athol Trollip said only cooperation among health bodies, parents, communities, and Ulwaluko custodians will help bring long-lasting solutions to the scourge. "While respecting the cultural significance of the initiation, the alarming fatalities demand immediate action. The over 30 deaths of Ulwaluko initiates in the Eastern Cape this summer season reflect a collective failure, and we urge custodians to eliminate misconduct for the safety of our youth and young boys. The alarming death toll underscores the need for collective responsibility,? said Trollip at the time of the incident.