Botched circumcisions at 2 initiation schools in Limpopo leaves 21 initiates needing medical attention

JOHANNESBURG - Botched circumcisions at two initiation schools in Limpopo have left 21 initiates in need of medical attention.

The schools, located in the Waterberg District, were flagged by COGTA monitors earlier this week due to unusual delays in procedures.

After stepping in, the health department found that 21 boys required re-circumcision due to complications.

Traditional Affairs MEC Basikopo Makamu called on initiation school principals and traditional surgeons to prioritise safety and follow proper protocols to prevent more incidents.

COGTA spokesperson Amos Phago said that only a few of the affected initiates had been treated so far, while others were still awaiting help.

"Only five(5) initiates were attended to and released on the 11th July 2025, for the one-day procedure, due to capacity challenges at George Masebe Hospital. The remaining sixteen (16) initiates were returned to their respective initiation schools and will be taken to Mokopane Hospital on Monday, 14 July 2025."