DA calls for parliamentary inquiry into intiate deaths

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The DA in the Eastern Cape has called for a parliamentary inquiry into the deaths of initiates in the Eastern Cape.

DA MP, Ngaba Banga, says its imperative that government acts decisively and swiftly in mitigating deaths that happen at initiation schools.

He says the initiate death toll in the Eastern Cape has now climbed to 31.

Earlier this week, premier Phumulo Masualle, announced drastic measures are to be taken to curb the deaths of boys in traditional circumcision initiation schools.

This included a summit which will culminate in the introduction of the Traditional Initiation Bill in the Eastern Cape.

Banga says what's lacking in the province is proper legislation.

"We are concerned that government always reacts during this season. We are saying lets build a process together to prepare for every initiation season. This intervention that has just come now has come only because have had (22) deaths now," he said.

Banga said "government has failed to create a provincial framework. There's no provincial legislation that regulates this and we are saying that with immediate speed provincial and national legislation (must be introduced) that regulates this."