EASTERN CAPE - COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has described the deaths of initiates in the Eastern Cape as a slaughter.
He says it is unacceptable for a group of healthy young men leave their homes to undergo initiation.
Only to return as corpses because of unscrupulous traditional surgeons who operate illegally.
His remarks come in light of the death toll in this year's initiation summer season, which has risen to 13.
READ| Nine dead in summer initiation rites
Hlabisa says among other contributing factors is dehydration and heat.
“This is really worrying. We have spoken about the challenges in the Eastern Cape around the initiation. Last year, during the summer, we ended on a figure of 34. This is a sad story, and this can not be allowed to carry on.”
The minister says depriving initiates of water to heal faster is a false belief that needs to be corrected.
“This fallacy needs to be confronted by everyone to tell those running the initiation school, especially the principals, that boys must be given water because the cause is dehydration.”
Hlabisa says government’s efforts to urgently address this matter are under way.
Hlabisa commended the arrest of 21 suspects linked to illegal initiation activities in the Eastern Cape.
READ| Hundreds of illegal initiation schools discovered
He called on parents, caregivers and communities to step up and take full responsibility in protecting the young initiates entrusted to their care.
He also has urged communities including households without male figures who can monitor initiates regularly.
This is to provide consistent guidance, support and protection throughout this sacred journey.