EAST LONDON - The death toll among initiates in the Eastern Cape has now risen to eight.
Authorities also rescued over 70 underage boys in Mount Ayliff, some as young as 12.
The provincial government says action will be taken against those responsible.
WATCH: DISCUSSION | INITIATION SEASON | MANHOOD FACING MAJOR CHALLENGES
It's worried illegal schools are giving the ancient rite of passage a bad name.
The common cause of death is dehydration.
One traditional surgeon says authorities must enforce strict laws.
- eNCA's Ronald Masinda has more.