National Men's Forum urges communities to inspect initiation schools

CAPE TOWN - The National Men's Forum is calling for communities to get involved in the inspection of initiation schools.

This comes after the deaths of 17 initiates in the Eastern Cape since the start of the summer initiation season.

The forum said that illegal initiation schools were the biggest contributors in the death of initiates.

The forum has, however, opposed CONTRALESA's call to postpone the initation practice for two years until a solution to the problem is found.

It's appealing to the parents to ensure their children go to registered and licenced initiation schools.

At least 34 initiates died in the Eastern Cape last year during the summer initiation season.

The National Men's Forum convenor, Mbulelo Dyasi, said that some initiates had health issues and were prevented from receiving their treatment at initiation schools.

"If, for instance, we don't stop deaths of initiates, we will have to do something. Maybe we will have to consider that call by Inkosi Nonkonyana but not at this stage."