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The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the Eastern Cape has denounced the deaths of initiates despite what MEC Zolile Williams said is government's rigorous efforts towards their safe passage to manhood.
Williams was commenting on the latest update of the summer initiation season which started in November.
In a statement on Tuesday, Cogta said 19 young men have lost their lives.
Most of the deaths took place in the OR Tambo District with six fatalities, followed by four in the Joe Gqabi District.
Three fatalities were recorded in Alfred Nzo, while two deaths each reported in Buffalo City, Amathole and Chris Hani Districts, respectively.
Williams said the causes of death were being investigated.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and their next of kin. We encourage parents, guardians and families to visit initiation schools every day.
"Where there is suspicion of foul play, we encourage them to open criminal cases against those entrusted with the care of their children," he said.
He commended the initiation monitoring teams including sector departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), police, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders for their hands on deck and hard work to save life and limb during this period.
"These are our foot soldiers whose dedication to the cause of culture, custom and tradition remains our never-ending source of encouragement and dedication to Ulwaluko.
"We will scrutinise the Report of the Strategic Summit on Customary Male Initiation and formulate a solid and implementable plan for the winter season and beyond," Williams said.
He added that these are unnecessary deaths that should not have happened in the first place if parents, guardians and families played their active roles to secure the future of their children.
The MEC said that while some parents are working with government, they need to do more to mitigate risks associated with the custom.
He said 69 people have been arrested for unlawful circumcision, deaths of initiates and other suspected criminal activities.
The chairperson of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso said government interventions by nature cannot cover the length and breadth of the province hence communities must also lend a helping hand to stop the unnecessary deaths.
"We call on law enforcement to investigate these deaths and bring perpetrators to book," Gwadiso said.
He said community participation is also key to safeguard this age-old custom for future generations.
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