The summer cycle of the traditional Ulwaluko initiation ceremony of the Xhosa people has ended in South Africa.

However, the ceremony has once again turned tragic: this year, 39 young boys have died during the painful and dangerous circumcision operation.

The ritual, which symbolizes the transition from boy to man, is accompanied not only by physical tests, but also by strict dietary restrictions, special clothing, and isolation from society.

According to local officials, the main cause of the aforesaid deaths is the activity of illegal initiation schools where untrained "healers" perform the procedures, often using unsterilized tools such as old spears and blades. And this leads to serious complications—from blood poisoning to amputations.

"We cannot accept any more deaths and owe it to these young men and their families to ensure their journey into adulthood is safe, dignified and respected, and of course safe," Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisi said in a statement, and vowed to close down all schools that violate the law.

More than 360 boys have died as a result of this ritual in the past five years.