Our Children Are Dying’: Inside the Deadly Initiation Problem

Cultural Pride Collides With the Reality of Lost Lives

As a Xesibe man from the Qwathi clan, I’m compelled to speak out about a deeply ingrained cultural practice that has been passed down through generations – the initiation ritual.

While this rite of passage is meant to mark a boy’s transition to manhood, it’s heartbreaking to see that it’s become a threat to the lives of our young people.

Every year, thousands of boys undergo initiation, but the cost is too high.

Fatal Numbers Expose Deepening Problems in Initiation Schools

In the Eastern Cape alone, dozens of lives have been lost in recent years due to complications arising from the ritual.

The numbers are staggering: 44 deaths in 2021, 34 in 2022, 54 in 2023, and 43 in 2024. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the loss of potential, of future fathers, brothers, uncles, and friends.

The problems with traditional initiation schools are multifaceted.

When Caretakers Become the Source of Harm

In some cases, initiates are subjected to physical and emotional abuse, denied basic necessities like food and water, and forced to endure harsh conditions.

The involvement of some traditional nurses and surgeons in these practices is particularly disturbing.

A study by the University of the Free State’s Faculty of Education revealed that initiation practices in schools can be brutal, with learners being humiliated, beaten, and forced to perform degrading tasks.

Preserving Culture While Protecting Our Children

It’s time for us to rethink our approach to initiation.

We need to find a way to preserve the cultural significance of this ritual while ensuring the safety and well-being of our young people.

One possible solution is to adopt a more modern and humane approach, like the Embo Madoda Initiation School in my area, which has a remarkable track record of safety and success.

When Cultural Pride Meets Modern Safety Standards

This school has been operating for over 30 years without any deaths, and it has taken care of boys from all over the country, including those from as far as Singapore and Durban.

It’s a testament to the fact that initiation can be done in a way that is both culturally meaningful and safe.

I know that this view may not be popular among some Xhosa-speaking men, but I believe that it’s essential to speak out and challenge the status quo.

A New Way Forward for a Safer, Meaningful Rite of Passage

We owe it to our children to ensure that they can undergo this rite of passage without risking their lives.

It’s time for us to move with the times and find a way to make initiation a positive and transformative experience for our young people.

Ultimately, the future of our tribe depends on the well-being of our youth.

We need to ask ourselves: is this cultural tradition worth the cost of our children’s lives?

I believe that it’s time for us to find a new way forward, one that prioritizes the safety and dignity of our young people.