Under the theme “Mabaye Bephila Babuye Bephila” and to ensure that Amathole experiences zero deaths this summer, ADM Speaker Onke Mgunculu, accompanied by ADM Initiation Forum Chairperson Chief Mzikayise Kaulela, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality Council Speaker Thozama Ngaye, the Department of Health and local initiation forums, visited initiation schools in Adelaide and Bedford on Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Through the visits Cllr Mgunculu had the opportunity, assisted by Department of Health officials, to assess the wellbeing of the initiates and examine documents certifying initiates fit for circumcision. All the schools visited in the area were above board and followed health regulations.
Speaking with traditional nurses Mgunculu highlighted the need to keep initiates hydrated especially with the rite of passage being undertake in the summer season.
“There should be no prohibition of water. The human body cannot function without water and the summer period comes with extreme temperatures which makes it imperative to keep initiates hydrated. Their parents put them in your care; do your work diligently and make sure they return home in good health”, he said.
