GEORGE NEWS - The George Initiation Forum (Gif) has seen an increase in the number of boys in this year's winter initiation season. The number is now over twenty - a remarkable increase as compared to previous years, according to Mzwandile Gingcana, Gif chairperson.
Gingcana was pleased to announce that so far everything is going well and that they have not experienced any problems. He said they welcome the increasing number of boys who decide to undergo the manhood ritual in winter.
"We encourage people to use June as opposed to December. In summer it is very hot and the boys tend to get sick due to heat exhaustion, dehydration and the slow process of healing, which leads to complications."
He said in summer the boys are often neglected as the people tasked to care for them attend December festivities, leaving the boys without care.
Six days ago, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) reported that three boys died in the first week of the winter initiation season.
The deaths occurred at illegal initiation schools that did not follow the traditional and legal route. Among those who died was a 16-year-old. Ten illegal traditional surgeons, including nurses, were arrested in the Eastern Cape during this winter initiation season.
Gingcana urged parents to use traditional surgeons and nurses that are registered with Gif.
"Last week we visited all initiation sites in George together with local authorities. This week we'll continue our visits to ensure our boys return from the mountain safely and in good health," said Gingcana.
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