At Least 48 Boys Die in South Africa Traditional Circumcision Season

South Africa's traditional circumcision claims dozens of young lives

At least 48 boys and young men died during recent initiation ceremonies in South Africa, among them 22-year-old Lamkelo Mtyho, who had no known health issues when he entered a registered school—but never returned.

Dozens of boys and young men are dying in South Africa’s traditional circumcision rites

Traditional circumcisions can carry fatal risks including poorly trained practitioners and cutting tools that are unsanitary or used more than once. Dehydration and badly managed septic wounds are among the main causes of death, and the remote settings mean help is usually far away.

How these secretive traditional circumcision rites are responsible for dozens of deaths

At least 48 boys and young men died during the latest round of initiation ceremonies in South Africa, which involve the highly secretive process of traditional circumcision to “become a man.”

Dozens of boys and young men are dying in South Africa tradition

At least 48 boys and young men died during the latest round of initiation ceremonies in South Africa, which involve the highly secretive process of traditional circumcision to “become a man.”