The Eastern Cape provincial government has closed the
2021 winter initiation season following an announcement by President Cyril
Ramaphosa to place the country on Alert level 4.
This is informed by fears of the third wave that could
be disastrous for the province and the country at large.
Acting EC House of
Traditional Leaders, iNkosi Langa Mavuso, said the plans to take the boys on the
transition to manhood should be placed on hold immiediately.
Mavuso, who doubles
as provincial chairperson for the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee,
said those initiates who had undergone the traditional circumcision should not
have celebration events when they come back until further notice has been
given.
“Parents are expected to just comply with Section
19 of the Disaster Management Regulations without fail or resistance. Imigidi (homecoming
celebrations) can be organised at a later stage when the current conditions
necessitated by the Covid 19 pandemic have improved,” Mavuso said.
Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC, Xolile
Nqatha, welcomed the announcement and called on all stakeholders involved in the
traditional circumcision practice to cooperate.
“The 3rd wave is raging
and we must all work together to ensure no mushrooming of new amabhuma in our
areas. Our law enforcement agencies stand ready to deal with any deviations to
the regulations including closing down illegal amabhuma, ” said Nqatha.
