The CRL Rights Commission has taken a stand against the disturbing trend of initiation-related fatalities, announcing a new oversight committee to investigate and enforce safety regulations.
Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), has made a bold proclamation that the troubling trend of counting fatalities during initiation seasons must cease.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva expressed her outrage following the announcement of the deaths of 43 initiates this winter season.
The latest numbers are accompanied by 12 abductions, 75 hospitalisations, 180 rescues, 58 illegal initiation schools, 150 criminal cases, and 40 arrests during the current winter initiation season.
In response to the escalating concern, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, who appeared alongside Deputy Chairperson Prince George Mahlangu, outlined the establishment of a Section Seven Committee, which is set to begin operations next month.
