Ramaphosa urges traditional leaders to put an end to initiates' deaths

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has told traditional leaders that they need to put an end to the deaths of young initiates.

Ramaphosa said botched circumcisions are avoidable and shouldn’t be allowed to continue any longer.

The president was addressing traditional leaders at the official opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders in Parliament on Thursday.

Ramaphosa had several messages for the country’s traditional leaders at the opening of the house, one of which was on the burning issue of traditional initiates who continue to die in provinces like the Eastern Cape.

"We need to do all in our powers as government, as communities, as traditional leaders, the national initiation oversight committee, and provincial structures to put an end to these unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths and injuries of our young boys."

Ramaphosa said it’s always sad to hear stories of initiates returning as corpses.

"This is a practice that you as traditional leaders need to take hold of."

He urged the house to urge and guide provinces on the provisions of the customary initiation act.