Overview
- Eastern Cape recorded 22 deaths, Free State 15, Gauteng 3, and Western Cape 1, according to SABC.
- More than 31,000 initiates either completed or are still undergoing the ritual this season, reflecting the practice’s scale.
- CoGTA announced plans for stricter regulation to curb fatalities in upcoming seasons.
- The proposed rules would require traditional surgeons to undergo training and register before practicing.
- Parents would sign legal consent confirming initiates are at least 16, with penalties for false declarations.