Murder in Underground Learning Institutions: Tragedy Claims Lives of Adolescents in South Africa
South Africa has been grappling with the issue of ritual deaths, particularly those associated with the traditional Xhosa ritual of ulwaluko, a form of male circumcision marking the transition to manhood. Despite efforts to eliminate these deaths, the practice continues to pose serious health risks and has claimed over 825 lives since 1994 [1].
Last year alone, 93 deaths were attributed to the ritual, highlighting its high mortality rate [2]. The causes of death during ulwaluko ceremonies are varied, including infections, severe blood loss, dehydration, and complications from unsterile techniques [1]. Tragically, the recent 2025 mass ceremony ended with 39 boys dead and many more injured, sparking national outrage and calls for reform [4][5].
The South African authorities have been actively working towards eliminating ritual deaths by 2025. They have been arresting organizers and closing down illegal schools associated with the practice [3]. However, the goal has yet to be achieved, and the ritual continues to claim lives.
Reports indicate that teenagers are sometimes killed for refusing to undergo the ritual, and some initiates never recover from its effects [6]. The practice, performed without medical support and anesthesia, involves circumcising teenage boys who then spend weeks in seclusion while healing [1][2][3].
The controversies surrounding ulwaluko revolve around respecting cultural traditions and ensuring the safety of initiates. Efforts to reform the practice have involved public health education, legal action, and attempts to incorporate medical professionals into the process. Initiatives include educational websites and state interventions, but enforcement and community acceptance remain ongoing challenges [1].
As the debate continues, it is crucial to remember the human cost of this traditional practice. The lives lost and the suffering endured by those who undergo ulwaluko serve as a stark reminder of the need for change. The South African authorities, community leaders, and the public must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved in this cultural rite.
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/traditional-circumcision-in-south-africa [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46569194 [3] https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/arrests-made-in-ulwaluko-deaths-18080378 [4] https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-08-27-circumcision-deaths-in-kzn-prompt-calls-for-reform/ [5] https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/circumcision-deaths-prompt-calls-for-better-regulations-18081562 [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46569194
Science plays a crucial role in addressing the health risks associated with ritual deaths, particularly the Xhosa ritual of ulwaluko, by providing evidence-based solutions for the prevention and treatment of medical-conditions related to these practices. It's essential to prioritize health-and-wellness in all efforts to reform this traditional practice and ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.
