Initiates hospitalised after botched circumcisions in Limpopo

Over 21 initiates were admitted to George Masebe Hospital outside Mokopane following alleged botched circumcisions at two initiation schools in the Waterberg District in Limpopo.

The initiates in Lesodi and Rantlakane schools, under Mapela, were identified by the health professionals for re-circumcision.

Only five initiates were attended to and released on Friday for the one-day procedure, due to capacity challenges at George Masebe Hospital.

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The remaining 16 initiates were returned to their respective initiation schools and will be taken to Mokopane Hospital on Monday, 14 July 2025.

The two initiation schools were reportedly experiencing challenges that were delaying the progress of initiates due to the remaining days before the 2025 season closes. This resulted in the Department of Health, through George Masebe Hospital, being roped in for evaluation and intervention.

CoGHSTA in Limpopo has reiterated its call on initiation schools principals, traditional surgeons and caregivers to be extremely vigilant and avoid any harm to the safety of the initiates.

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MEC Makamu will be visiting the affected schools early next week for a first-hand account of what transpired.

“It is part of our responsibility to ensure the safety and health of initiates,” said MEC Makamu.

“Together with the Department of Health, we believe this action is appropriate to avoid any fatalities. We shall continuously monitor to ensure that all schools comply before the season ends.”