Once again the nation is outraged by the now familiar annual tale of how a number of initiates undergoing traditional male circumcision in several provinces have paid with permanent disability, or the ultimate penalty of death, for taking part in cultural practices that have outlived their value in today's South Africa. While we respect the rights of people to engage in culturally important initiation practices, it is unacceptable that every year during the winter months a large number of initiates continue to die or be maimed for life.