Twenty-one intiates hospitalised after botched circumcisions in Limpopo

Twenty-one initiates from Lesodi and Rantlakane village schools in Mapela, outside Mokopane, have been admitted to George Masebe Hospital after undergoing botched circumcisions.

The initiates are expected to undergo re-circumcision procedures.

Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Basikopo Makamu said he is deeply concerned about the reports from the two schools in the Waterberg District.

According to the department, on July 10, while conducting routine monitoring, officials discovered that the two initiation schools were experiencing challenges that delayed the progress of initiates.

“Considering the few days remaining before the 2025 season closes, the Department of Health, through George Masebe Hospital, was brought in for evaluation and intervention,” Makamu said.

Health professionals identified 21 initiates in Lesodi and Rantlakane schools who required re-circumcision. 

Only five were treated and released on July 11 due to capacity constraints at George Masebe Hospital.

The remaining 16 initiates were returned to their respective schools and are scheduled to be transferred to Mokopane Hospital on Monday, July 14.

Makamu announced that he would visit the affected schools early next week to obtain a first-hand account of the events.

“It is part of our responsibility to ensure the safety and health of initiates,” he said. 

“Together with the Department of Health, we believe this action is appropriate to avoid any fatalities.”

He said the province will continue to monitor all initiation schools to ensure compliance with regulations before the season ends.

Makamu also reiterated his call for initiation school principals, traditional surgeons and caregivers to exercise extreme caution and prioritise the safety of initiates as the season draws to a close.

This incident follows the deaths of two initiates in Limpopo earlier this month.

The provincial government has approved 530 initiation schools this year – 322 for males and 208 for females.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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