00:0022-year-old Lamkelo Mtiho had no apparent health problems when he joined his friends for the traditional circumcision ritual.
00:08Three weeks later, his family received the devastating news of his death.
00:12He was among at least 48 boys and young men who lost their lives during the recent initiation ceremony in
00:19South Africa.
00:23As a participant in this rite of passage, I find that negative perceptions are often held by those unfamiliar with
00:31the practice.
00:32Initiation is about learning to be humble, becoming someone the community can trust, and earning their love and respect.
00:41As an initiate, it shouldn't matter if you are a father or not.
00:45When people see you, they should feel a sense of peace and safety.
00:53Mtiho attended a registered initiation school outside Ngeleni village in Eastern Cape province with his parents' blessings.
01:00His grandmother, Nonsizile, said she has no one to blame, as she reckons initiation can be challenging.
01:09I hold no one accountable.
01:22Traditional circumcision can carry fatal risks such as poorly trained practitioners and sanitary cutting tools and equipment reused on multiple
01:32initiates.
01:34I wish the government will step into these initiation schools where young people are losing their lives.
01:40In our community, chieftaincy representatives already visit to inspect living conditions and food,
01:45and to ensure that former initiates don't bring alcohol or weapons.
01:51South African law since 2021 requires initiation schools to meet strict health and safety standards to be registered,
01:59and boys 16 and above are admitted with parental consent.
02:03Women's
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02:04Municip Lind�undee
02:05The
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