Overview
- Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed the toll on Tuesday, linking many deaths to failures by initiation schools and lax parental oversight.
- Reported causes include dehydration driven by advice to avoid drinking water, along with infections and poor medical care.
- Authorities say 41 people have been arrested over illegal initiation activities, including parents accused of falsifying ages to admit 13-year-olds.
- Eastern Cape is the hotspot with about 21 fatalities this season, highlighting the persistence of unregistered schools despite legal requirements.
- Planned measures include mobilising local courts, requiring registered traditional surgeons ahead of the winter season, and holding parents accountable for unsafe choices.