Dozens of boys and young men are dying in South Africa tradition

At least 48 boys and young men died during the latest round of initiation ceremonies in South Africa, which involve the highly secretive process of traditional circumcision to “become a man.”

PHUTHADITJHABA, South Africa -- The 22-year-old Lamkelo Mtyho had no known health issues when he joined his peers, wrapped in blankets and smeared in clay, for the most important ritual of his young life: the highly secretive process of traditional circumcision. His family in South Africa expected him to return triumphant, full of cultural knowledge and officially a man.

Three weeks later, they learned that he was dead.

He was one of at least 48 boys and young men who died during the latest round of initiation ceremonies in South Africa.

It is rare to hear the story of an initiate who died.

Because of participants’ silence around the ritual, families and authorities have struggled to understand and police a deeply traditional but often abused practice. At least a half-dozen former initiates would not speak to The Associated Press. Meanwhile, hundreds of illegal initiation schools attract people who can’t afford registered ones.