30 boys die during circumcision rites in South Africa

At least 30 boys have died in South Africa's Eastern Cape and 80 were taken to hospitals during the traditional circumcision season and associated rituals, the Council of Traditional Leaders said on Sunday.

Speaking to local broadcaster INCI, official Nkosi Langa Mafusu said: "We have lost about 30 boys. They died from dehydration, blood poisoning and not dressing the wounds properly."

The country is approaching halfway through the 'Oluluko' season, which sees thousands of boys from the age of 16 undergo traditional circumcision and the associated rituals that mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.

After circumcision by a traditional surgeon, the boys are expected to spend a period of seclusion in the rural bush.

Mafuso said many boys do not receive proper care.

Zolani Mikhefa, secretary-general of the Conference of Traditional Leaders in South Africa, told ENCA that drastic action must be taken to stop these unnecessary deaths that occur every year.

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