"Without Doctors, Using Rusty Blades... 39 Die During Initiation Ceremony in South Africa"

Numerous Injuries and Deaths Occur Annually at Traditional Initiation Ceremonies
Illegal Boarding Schools Widespread... "This Is a Crime, Not a Cultural Practice"

In South Africa, 39 teenagers died during a traditional initiation ceremony. Dozens of others reportedly suffered serious injuries, including genital mutilation.

The Daily Mail and New York Post reported on August 1 (local time) that a large number of casualties occurred during the traditional Xhosa initiation ceremony known as 'Ulwaluko' in South Africa.

This ritual is a rite of passage for boys to be recognized as true men. Participants, aged between 16 and 26, stay together in remote areas and undergo the ceremony over several weeks.

Participants must follow strict rules, and upon completing the ritual, they are treated as adult men. Those who have not undergone the ceremony are not allowed to participate in marriages or tribal meetings.

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The main issue lies in the circumcision procedure. In many cases, practitioners ignore hygiene standards and use rusty spears or blunt razors to cut the genitals. Some initiation ceremonies are conducted without proper medical personnel, leading to repeated deaths caused by complications such as dehydration, sepsis, and necrosis.

Former South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize stated, "Most of the deaths occur during the hot summer season," and previously suggested that the initiation ceremonies should not be held in summer. Experts warn that without a balance between tradition and public health, such sacrifices will inevitably continue.

Civil organizations in South Africa have been urging the government to implement measures to reduce deaths during initiation ceremonies. The South African government set a goal of 'zero' deaths this year but failed to achieve it. In 2024 alone, at least 11 cases of penile amputation occurred, and since 2020, thousands have been hospitalized in connection with the ceremonies, with 361 deaths recorded over the past five years.

Local traditional leader Sipo Malangu pointed out, "More than 80% of all victims were from illegally operated schools," adding, "This is closer to a crime than a cultural practice." It is currently estimated that hundreds of illegal initiation schools are operating across South Africa.

The government plans to implement a registration system for all practitioners and reduce the number of illegal schools by half by 2029. However, there are ongoing criticisms that strong community pressure, the stigma associated with not participating, and parental ignorance are still forcing boys to take part in these ceremonies.