«Il y a une négligence» : 41 jeunes hommes meurent lors de circoncisions pratiquées pendant des rites d’initiation en Afrique du Sud
South African authorities are pointing to lapses in compliance with health standards. The Eastern Cape province accounts for half of the deaths.
At least 41 young men died in South Africa in November and December following circumcisions performed as part of traditional initiation rites, authorities announced Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. These ceremonies, considered a passage to adulthood, are practiced annually by several communities, including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho, and Venda.
The initiations take place in traditional schools where the adolescents are isolated for several weeks. Despite legislation requiring the registration of these establishments, many illegal schools continue to operate. A significant proportion of the deaths are recorded there, according to authorities.
21 deaths in the Eastern Cape
Speaking to local media on Tuesday, South African Minister of Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa denounced negligence on the part of both school officials—including some registered schools—and parents. He cited the failure to comply with health guidelines and the dissemination of dangerous advice, including the prohibition against certain initiates drinking water to accelerate healing. "There is a disregard for health standards," he rebuked.
The Eastern Cape province of South Africa alone accounts for 21 deaths since the start of the summer initiation period. According to the minister, 41 people have been arrested in cases linked to illegal schools, including parents accused of providing false ages. South African law only permits initiation from the age of 16, with parental consent.
Commentaires (4)
Participer à la Discussion
Règles de la communauté :
💡 Astuce : Utilisez des emojis depuis votre téléphone ou le module emoji ci-dessous. Cliquez sur GIF pour ajouter un GIF animé. Collez un lien X/Twitter ou TikTok pour l'afficher automatiquement.