Image reproduced from Taiwan News

In South Africa, a traditional coming-of-age ceremony known as 'Ulwaluko' continues to take place, despite last year's tragic death of 93 boys. This sacred yet deadly ritual requires boys to undergo circumcision, symbolizing their transition into adulthood. Even as authorities have legislated against illegal circumcision practices, the ceremonies have quietly continued in several areas this year.

Reports indicate that tens of thousands of boys participate in the 'Ulwaluko' every year, being taken to remote and secret camps for a three-week 'training' period. During this time, they are instructed not to disclose any details about the ceremony and are taught survival skills alongside their expected male roles. Most circumcisions are performed by untrained traditional healers, using rusty tools, which increases the risk of infection and surgical failure, resulting in significant casualties.

A government report indicates that from 2021 to 2024, up to 322 boys may have died due to the ceremony, with thousands hospitalized for various reasons including infections and gangrene. Last year alone, 93 boys lost their lives, and 11 others had to undergo penile amputations due to their injuries.

The report also highlights the emergence of criminal gangs that have established illegal circumcision establishments, hiring untrained personnel to perform the procedures, and even kidnapping boys under the age of 16 for forced circumcisions, demanding ransom from their families. Many children have been beaten or assaulted, and there have been cases where those who resisted were stabbed, drowned, or killed.

To prevent further tragedies, the South African government has enacted the Customary Initiation Act, requiring legal entities to achieve a 'zero deaths' standard for circumcision and marking illegal schools. Those performing the circumcisions must also receive training and obtain legal licenses. The current circumcision season began on May 30, and as of now, there has been one reported death.