There’s growing pressure for reform as deaths continue
Nearly 40 young boys have lost their lives following a mass circumcision ritual in South Africa — a practice that has sparked controversy for years due to its dangers.
Every summer, the Ulwaluko rite takes place across parts of the country. It’s a long-standing tradition meant to mark a boy’s passage into adulthood. But this year, the 2025 season has once again ended in tragedy, with at least 39 boys reported dead and many others suffering severe injuries and mutilations.
Though the ritual is intended to symbolize an important cultural milestone, it has faced mounting criticism over its shocking death toll and the unsafe health practices often involved in carrying it out.
Government officials have pointed out that a major part of the danger comes from illegal initiation schools that operate outside the law.
Critics say these schools put lives at serious risk by hiring people with no medical training, who sometimes perform unsafe circumcisions. They’re also accused of ignoring proper hygiene and medical standards, which leads to a high number of botched procedures.
In 2023, ActionSA party member and Eastern Cape provincial chairperson Athol Trollip spoke out strongly against the illegal schools and their role in this ongoing crisis.