Pretoria - The Department of Health has expressed concern with the unnecessary deaths of young boys due to traditional circumcision.
According to reports, the number of deaths related to traditional circumcision in the Eastern Cape alone has increased to 40, while others are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, some with prospects of genital amputation.
"This problem has been going on for some time now and we have to put a stop to it. The death of young people robs our country of its future and it's even worse when such deaths occur under such circumstances which are avoidable. The long-term effect on the amputees are too ghastly to even think about," said Precious Matsoso, the department's Director-General.
Matsoso said while the department accepted and respected the right of people to practice their traditions, it has to be done within the context of acceptable health norms and standards in order to prevent such deaths.
She further urged parents to advise their young children against unsafe circumcision.
Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said the provincial department and police officials were continuing with their raids on illegal initiation schools. Since the beginning of June, five illegal traditional surgeons were arrested in the province.
