Traditional circumcision (the so -called initiation) is an integral part of language communities Xhosa And not only. Here, in South Africa, the Ulwaluko rite (go to the mountains) It is the first step towards adulthood. It involves a series of cultural, religious, legal and ethical issues which, in terms of the establishment of the South African Republic, are rights that must be protected. But the thread is often lost.
Often, in fact, unacceptable deaths linked to circumcision take place. The tribal “initiation ceremony” of 2025, in fact, ended, with 39 deaths and dozens of other mutilated boys, while – only in the last 5 years – 361 boys have lost their lives.
Furthermore, only in 2024 did the gruesome complications led to 11 penis amputations, due to the fact that traditional unqualified “surgeons” would have used old lance and razor blades to perform the creepy rituals.
Why do the boys undergo the rite of circumcision?
The origin of male circumcision is not known with certainty, but it has existed since time immemorial. The widespread practice of the tradition of circumcision and initiation rites throughout Africa, and the frequent similarity between the details of the ceremonial procedure in areas thousands of kilometers distant from each other, indicate that the ritual of circumcision has an ancient tradition behind and in its current form is the result of a long development process. Traditional circumcision involves issues of culture and religion.
According to data, the ritual of male circumcision is performed in specific periods of life with the main purpose of integrating the male child in society according to cultural norms. It is among the most secret and sacred rites practiced by the language people Xhosa of South Africa.
Recently, the alarming rate of deaths and injuries between the initiates brought the attention of the media and the regulation of the government has focused on traditional circumcision, because – as is obvious – the circumcision undertaken in non -clinical contexts can lead to significant risks of serious consequences, including death: in the last two decades, following the male re -ritual circumcision, thousands of young people have been hospitalized in the hospitals, hundreds Immediately amputation of the penis and hundreds died in the province of the eastern chief of South Africa.
The fact that many boys are circumcised without consent and the Not Knowledge of their parents creates fertile ground for death, or at least for amputations and hospitalization of initiates: unqualified surgeons, negligent nurses, irresponsible and young parents unsuitable from a medical point of view to the difficulties of initiation continue to contribute to tragic outcomes.
The government blames the criminal gangs that have created hundreds of illegal initiation schools not regulated with non -trained “doctors” that ignore the law that anyone who is less than 16 cannot undergo the ritual and make high prices to families to perform the operation, painful, often with fatal or horrible final results.
Cancerna, sepsis and dehydration are the main cause of death, and not only: those who pull back are stabbed, drowned or beaten to death.
There are hundreds of reports per year of illegal schools who kidnap children of just 12 years old and perform surgery, then forcing parents to pay to get their children back.
Why doesn’t this process stop?
Paradoxically, the conflict between the government and traditional leaders is the main obstacle to solve the problem of deaths related to circumcision. Traditional leaders argue that the law promulgated in 2001 on the application of health standards and other health measures are a violation of the cultural rights of the tribes. It is a provincial law and not of national legislation, therefore the provincial government has a duty to implement the law firmly. In addition, there is also a violation of children’s rights pursuant to the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which is national legislation, and is also applicable in the deaths related to circumcisions. Pursuant to this law, regulation requires that no child (minors of 16 years of age) should not be allowed to undergo circumcision.
Finally, everything becomes more problematic when the literacy rate of the population is low. There is almost no awareness of people in these areas about the existence of this law on the circumcision of 2001. Most of the people in these areas are of xhosa language. They live in rural areas where the road network is not only non -existent, but disastrous.
There are beliefs deeply rooted in tradition and culture, including witchcraft.
The initiate undergoes a period of isolation during which he is only allowed to drink muddy water and eat food without salt. White clay is applied to its face to mask recognition. A ritual, that of Ulwaluko initiation, which is deeply rooted cultural practice, a significant journey for young children Xhosa in the transition to adulthood, instilling in their cultural values, responsibilities and a sense of identity. It remains understood, however, that often their lives go: a right that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of tradition at all costs. A harmonious coexistence of tradition, children’s health and modernity is required and urgently.
Sources: Daily Mail / African Health Sciences
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