CAPE TOWN – Dehydration has emerged as the leading cause of death among initiates in the Eastern Cape’s summer initiation season, with 17 young men dead since the season began, prompting authorities and traditional leaders to call for immediate intervention.

The Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Department expressed deep concern over the deaths. Department spokesperson Pheello Oliphant identified multiple health issues affecting initiates. “The leading cause of death this year is dehydration, followed by pulmonary oedema, chest pains, hallucinations, and lack of screening,” Oliphant said.

The National Men’s Forum has urged communities to take an active role in inspecting initiation schools, identifying illegal operations as major contributors to initiate deaths. This follows last year’s summer season, which saw 34 initiates lose their lives in the province.

Forum convenor Mbulelo Dyasi revealed that some initiates with pre-existing health conditions were prevented from receiving necessary treatment at the schools. “If we don’t stop deaths of initiates, we will have to do something,” Dyasi said, responding to calls for intervention.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) proposed a two-year postponement of initiation practices until safety measures improve. However, the National Men’s Forum opposed this suggestion, instead emphasizing the importance of using registered and licensed facilities.

Male initiation, a significant cultural practice in South Africa marking young men’s transition to adulthood, involves traditional circumcision and teachings about responsible manhood. Parents are now being urged to ensure their sons attend only officially registered schools to prevent further casualties.