Exam (elaborations)
CMY3705 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo |
Due 11 April 2025
Course
Victimology (CMY3705)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
CMY3705 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo | Due 11 April 2025. All questions
answered.
Assignment topic Each year, during the June and December school holidays,
young men from various ethnic groups in South Africa attend traditional
initiation schools, where circumcision is a key rite of passage. Despite its
cultural importance, the practice has led to tragic outcomes, with 253 deaths
reported in the Eastern Cape over the last six years, often due to unsafe
practices and inadequate oversight of government, practitioners and other
parties involved with the cultural practice. Research Focus: 1. What
mechanisms are currently in place to ensure justice for families of victims of
circumcision-related deaths, and how effective are they?
This is a critical and sensitive topic that touches on cultural practices, public health, legal issues,
and the well-being of individuals. Addressing the research focus on mechanisms in place to
ensure justice for families of victims of circumcision-related deaths in South Africa, and
evaluating their effectiveness, will require an exploration of both traditional and modern systems
in place for oversight and legal recourse.
Here's a general approach you could take for your research on this topic:
Introduction to the Issue
Cultural Significance of Initiation: Begin by explaining the cultural importance of
circumcision and initiation rituals in South African communities, especially in the
Eastern Cape province. This context will provide a framework for understanding why
these practices persist despite the risks.
Health Risks and Tragic Outcomes: Detail the risks involved in initiation practices,
particularly the instances of circumcision-related deaths and injuries. You could mention
the 253 deaths over the last six years in the Eastern Cape as part of this.
Legal and Institutional Mechanisms
, 1. Government Regulations and Oversight:
o Initiation School Regulations Act: In South Africa, the government has
introduced laws such as the Traditional Initiation Practices Act (2003) and the
Children’s Act (2005) to regulate traditional circumcision and initiation schools.
These acts set standards for safety, the qualifications of practitioners, and the
rights of children.
o Local and Provincial Regulations: The Eastern Cape, being the region with the
most cases, has specific legislation to regulate initiation schools, such as the
Eastern Cape Provincial Initiation Act (2016), which mandates government
oversight to prevent harmful practices.
o Evaluate how effectively these laws are enforced and whether the government is
adequately monitoring initiation schools.
2. Law Enforcement and Accountability:
o Criminal Justice System: In cases of circumcision-related deaths, law
enforcement agencies are involved in investigating and prosecuting the
perpetrators. However, there is a gap in the consistency of enforcement and the
ability to hold traditional practitioners (including inyanga or circumcision
practitioners) accountable. Evaluate the success rate of prosecutions and whether
justice is achieved.
o Corruption and Inadequate Monitoring: Many reports suggest that local
authorities may be reluctant to take strong actions against traditional practitioners
due to cultural sensitivities or corruption. This needs to be examined in depth.
3. Traditional vs. Modern Justice Systems:
o Discuss the tension between the traditional justice mechanisms, such as tribal
courts and local councils, and the formal legal system. In many cases,
communities may prefer handling these issues within their own structures, which
could either support or conflict with the formal legal systems.
o Customary Law: In some cases, perpetrators may be punished according to
traditional customs, which may not always align with the expectations of the state
justice system.
4. Compensation and Support for Victims’ Families:
o Compensation Programs: Are there any specific compensation mechanisms in
place for families of those who die due to circumcision-related injuries? The focus
here would be on whether there is government support or community-based
initiatives that help families.
o Social Services and Psychological Support: Many families affected by
circumcision deaths suffer from trauma, and there may be a need for social
services to help families cope with grief and trauma. How accessible and effective
are these services?
Effectiveness of Existing Mechanisms
Strengths of Current Mechanisms: Some government programs, including regulation
of initiation schools, may have successfully reduced incidents of deaths. It would be
valuable to explore instances where the regulations have been effective.
Weaknesses and Gaps:
CMY3705 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo |
Due 11 April 2025
Course
Victimology (CMY3705)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
CMY3705 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo | Due 11 April 2025. All questions
answered.
Assignment topic Each year, during the June and December school holidays,
young men from various ethnic groups in South Africa attend traditional
initiation schools, where circumcision is a key rite of passage. Despite its
cultural importance, the practice has led to tragic outcomes, with 253 deaths
reported in the Eastern Cape over the last six years, often due to unsafe
practices and inadequate oversight of government, practitioners and other
parties involved with the cultural practice. Research Focus: 1. What
mechanisms are currently in place to ensure justice for families of victims of
circumcision-related deaths, and how effective are they?
This is a critical and sensitive topic that touches on cultural practices, public health, legal issues,
and the well-being of individuals. Addressing the research focus on mechanisms in place to
ensure justice for families of victims of circumcision-related deaths in South Africa, and
evaluating their effectiveness, will require an exploration of both traditional and modern systems
in place for oversight and legal recourse.
Here's a general approach you could take for your research on this topic:
Introduction to the Issue
Cultural Significance of Initiation: Begin by explaining the cultural importance of
circumcision and initiation rituals in South African communities, especially in the
Eastern Cape province. This context will provide a framework for understanding why
these practices persist despite the risks.
Health Risks and Tragic Outcomes: Detail the risks involved in initiation practices,
particularly the instances of circumcision-related deaths and injuries. You could mention
the 253 deaths over the last six years in the Eastern Cape as part of this.
Legal and Institutional Mechanisms
, 1. Government Regulations and Oversight:
o Initiation School Regulations Act: In South Africa, the government has
introduced laws such as the Traditional Initiation Practices Act (2003) and the
Children’s Act (2005) to regulate traditional circumcision and initiation schools.
These acts set standards for safety, the qualifications of practitioners, and the
rights of children.
o Local and Provincial Regulations: The Eastern Cape, being the region with the
most cases, has specific legislation to regulate initiation schools, such as the
Eastern Cape Provincial Initiation Act (2016), which mandates government
oversight to prevent harmful practices.
o Evaluate how effectively these laws are enforced and whether the government is
adequately monitoring initiation schools.
2. Law Enforcement and Accountability:
o Criminal Justice System: In cases of circumcision-related deaths, law
enforcement agencies are involved in investigating and prosecuting the
perpetrators. However, there is a gap in the consistency of enforcement and the
ability to hold traditional practitioners (including inyanga or circumcision
practitioners) accountable. Evaluate the success rate of prosecutions and whether
justice is achieved.
o Corruption and Inadequate Monitoring: Many reports suggest that local
authorities may be reluctant to take strong actions against traditional practitioners
due to cultural sensitivities or corruption. This needs to be examined in depth.
3. Traditional vs. Modern Justice Systems:
o Discuss the tension between the traditional justice mechanisms, such as tribal
courts and local councils, and the formal legal system. In many cases,
communities may prefer handling these issues within their own structures, which
could either support or conflict with the formal legal systems.
o Customary Law: In some cases, perpetrators may be punished according to
traditional customs, which may not always align with the expectations of the state
justice system.
4. Compensation and Support for Victims’ Families:
o Compensation Programs: Are there any specific compensation mechanisms in
place for families of those who die due to circumcision-related injuries? The focus
here would be on whether there is government support or community-based
initiatives that help families.
o Social Services and Psychological Support: Many families affected by
circumcision deaths suffer from trauma, and there may be a need for social
services to help families cope with grief and trauma. How accessible and effective
are these services?
Effectiveness of Existing Mechanisms
Strengths of Current Mechanisms: Some government programs, including regulation
of initiation schools, may have successfully reduced incidents of deaths. It would be
valuable to explore instances where the regulations have been effective.
Weaknesses and Gaps:
