💨 Abstract

During the South African Ulwaluko ceremony, teenage boys are circumcised using unsanitary methods, leading to deaths and mutilations. The ritual is important for social acceptance and cultural rites but poses serious health risks. Despite government efforts to regulate the practice through the Customary Initiation Act, illegal schools persist, causing the majority of deaths. This year, 39 boys have died and dozens were injured, with over 360 deaths in the past five years.

Courtesy: Oliver Jones