Eastern Cape Health MEC Dr Phumza Dyantyi has handed over 35 vehicles that will be used to monitor the traditional circumcision season in the province.
Speaking during the official hand-over in East London, Dyantyi said that her Department had budgeted more than R29 million this year, for both Medical and Traditional circumcision, including training coordinators to do monitoring.
The MEC said there were 40 traditional circumcision deaths in 2013 and last year that number had dropped to 28.
OR Tambo got 10 vehicles, because there were more deaths in that region.
The Director of the Programme, Dr Luvuyo Bayeni, said they have been working closely with the Provincial SA Police Service regarding arrests of people who victimise initiates.
"At this stage, from previous seasons we are not even sure how many have been convicted. We met with traditional leaders on Thursday to follow up on all the cases. We can make sure that those who committed the crimes get the sentence they deserve" he said.
