41 young males die in South Africa after circumcision initiation ceremonies
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 3:13 pm
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/st ... ceremonies
At least 41 young males died during South Africa’s summer initiation season participating in traditional circumcision ceremonies marking passage to adulthood.
Illegal, unregistered schools flourish despite government laws requiring registration, with deaths often caused by unsafe practices like prohibiting water intake.
Officials blame negligence from schools and parents for failing to follow health standards, with 41 arrests made.