ACDP says government must monitor standard of safety at initiation schools

MEDIA RELEASE

Cheryllyn Dudley MP

22 May 2013

ACDP says government must monitor standard of safety at initiation schools

·       calls for closure of all illegal initiation schools across the country

·       lives of young men in similar situations are at risk 

ACDP Member of Parliament and health spokesperson, Cheryllyn Dudley, today said she was shocked at reports of 27 young men between the ages of 13 and 20 years who have died at initiation schools this month.

“The African Christian Democratic Party welcomes the investigation by the South African Police Service into the deaths of these young men who died at initiation schools across Mpumalanga.

A colleague who was working in my constituency office in Siyabuswa earlier this month was devastated by the news and said: “To think that I witnessed the joy the boys were experiencing when they were running wild in the streets of Siyabuswa because they were about to become men. It is extremely sad to know that they will not experience their manhood or have the chance to be seen as male adults in their culture”.
Dudley said: “We believe that these deaths could have been prevented if precautionary measures were in place at initiation schools and monitored regularly. If health and safety measures were in place – they were not of a good or acceptable standard. The ACDP calls on government to urgently put in place an inspectorate to monitor the standard of safety at initiation schools on a regular basis and to compel compliance, to prevent this tragic loss of lives.”

Police are currently investigating these deaths and have not yet made any arrests. They are expecting the results of the post mortems soon.

Dudley said: “The deaths of these boys must be investigated thoroughly and effectively and those responsible must be arrested without delay, charged with murder and sentenced.  The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated as around the country young men are in similar situations and their lives are at risk.  If we do not move quickly there will be more fatalities.”

The ACDP calls on the relevant Ministers to ensure that all illegal initiation schools across the country are closed and that young men at risk are urgently relocated to facilities where they can receive the medical care they need.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the boys who have died in this terrible way and we mourn this tragic loss of young lives.”


For more information contact Cheryllyn Dudley, MP, 082 890 6520 (SMS best for urgent response)
Media enquiries: Keeno Petersen, Media Liaison Officer, ACDP - Parliament, Tel: 021-403-3307 or Email:kpetersen@parliament.gov.za