S.Africa circumcision ritual: a dangerous route to manhood South Africa's male circumcision ritual is revered and guarded by the Xhosa people but the unhygienic conditions -- and abuse by some initiation schools -- exacts a heavy toll. At least 11 youths have already died during this southern hemisphere winter in Eastern Cape, while the government says several hundred have died nationwide in initiation schools since 1995. A voiced AFPTV report.