The first two deaths of the Eastern Cape's summer circumcision season were reported on Thursday.

Provincial health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said both deaths were the fault of the youths' parents.

He said an 18-year-old died at an initiation school at Mdantsane last Thursday. The youth was diabetic, but his parents failed to disclose his condition to department officials, or to take his medication to the school.

"He died because he was not getting treatment," Kupelo said.

The following day another 18-year-old died at an initiation school at Buntingville in Transkei. Kupelo said that youth's father had been advised by the traditional surgeon and the department that his son's circumcision wound had gone septic and needed medical attention.

"He refused. He did not want the son to be taken to hospital, and the young man died from the septic wound," Kupelo said.

He said the deaths were "totally unacceptable".

According to the province's circumcision law, boys had to undergo a medical examination before undergoing the ritual.

"If they are being treated for HIV/Aids, diabetes or TB, we need to know so we can monitor them," he said.

"The parents themselves also need to monitor their children."

Kupelo said 24 youths died in the province's winter circumcision season this year.

Sapa