The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) is working on a report on initiate deaths in the Eastern Cape for the provincial executive council.
The 2021 winter season officially closed on 31 July and while most boys returned home as men, some families mourned the loss of their sons.
Traditional Affairs Department spokesman Mamkeli Ngam said 13 deaths were registered in the province.
“At the beginning of the season, the department outlined plans to curb deaths.
“The PICC is expected to table a report to MEC Xolile Nqatha with analysis, statistics and the way forward,” he said.
PICC chairman Nkosi Langa Mavuso said a risk-adjusted strategy was approved by the provincial government, traditional leaders, and the initiation forum.
Nqatha encouraged parents to prepare their sons for the coming summer season.
“If people comply with the regulations, they will prevent deaths and ensure the safe return of boys from the mountain.
“It’s clear that in some parts of the province, parents and elders have taken a back seat, and children have taken over the ritual.
“We experience challenges such as illegal and unregistered schools, that cause deaths.
“We thank our monitoring teams for their hard work to keep abakhwetha safe.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families,” he said.
-daily sun
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