Limpopo records second initiation death
Limpopo has recorded its second initiation death following the passing of a 12-year-old boy from Mopani District.
The boy was one of seven victims of a fire at an initiation school camp in Maake village outside Tzaneen last week.
He succumbed to his burn wounds in a Gauteng hospital on Tuesday.
He was initially admitted to Dr. C.N. Phatudi Hospital in Limpopo with others, but was later transferred to Letaba Hospital before being taken to Gauteng for further treatment.
In a separate incident, a 19-year-old initiate, Raymond Sekele, died after being admitted to Philadelphia Hospital in the Sekhukhune District on Sunday.
According to officials, Sekele, who lived with epilepsy, experienced health issues before being sent to the hospital.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has urged all individuals entrusted with the oversight of initiation schools to exercise utmost vigilance.
"The premier reiterated that any incidents resulting in such fatalities will be thoroughly investigated to determine the underlying causes," says Ramathuba’s spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha.
"While the government is committed to honouring and preserving rich traditions and customs, it is equally bound by the obligation to protect lives.
"The premier has directed that the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs [Basikopo Makamu] will lead a formal investigation in collaboration with the Department of Health to provide a comprehensive report on both incidents."
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