Seven injured in fire at Limpopo initiation school
Six initiates and a traditional surgeon have been injured in a fire which broke out at an initiation school near Tzaneen.
On Wednesday, Basikopo Makamu, Limpopo MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, visited the injured in the hospital.
The initiates and the surgeon, who owns the school, sustained injuries during a blaze at one of their houses in Maake village on Tuesday night.
According to Makamu, the surgeon, who has already been released from the hospital, sustained injuries while trying to save the initiates' lives.
"I can confirm to the parents that, although it's unfortunate, the doctor has assured me that the burns are not necessarily too severe," said Makamu.
"They will be able to attend to it, except for one, who will need to consult with a specialist. But I can confirm to the parents that the initiation school is continuing. Given the circumstances, it doesn't appear to be a case of negligence."
Meanwhile, Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego said he is happy with the province's ongoing voluntary medical male circumcision programme.
According to the department, about 7,000 men have undergone medical circumcision since the launch of the programme in June.
"The number of men coming forward for circumcision demonstrates the growing awareness and acceptance of the health benefits associated with this important programme,” said department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.
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