Hlabisa Promises More Resources In Ec To Prevent Initiate Deaths

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has committed to deploy more resources in the Eastern Cape to prevent the death of initiates in the province.

Hlabisa made the commitment during a meeting with provincial traditional leaders in East London.

More than 370 initiates in the Eastern Cape have lost their lives while undergoing the traditional male circumcision since 2016.

During the previous summer initiation season, a total of 28 deaths were recorded.

The OR Tambo District accounts for 142 deaths and 49 amputations followed by Alfred Nzo and the Amathole District respectively. The deaths are mainly due to dehydration, pneumonia and septicemia.