The MEC for Health and Social Development in Gauteng Ntombi Mekgwe has called for a closer collaboration between traditional leaders and health professionals to ensure safe circumcision of young men in the province.
Addressing a ceremony to mark the return of about 30 young men from the initiation school at the weekend, the MEC said the fact none of the initiates had experience medical complications was due to the fact that they were all screened by health professional before being admitted for traditional initiation. All the young men underwent circumcision as part of their passage to manhood.
The event at Etwatwa, Daveyton was organised by traditional leader RM Mampuru of the BaPedi national and was attended by South Sotho traditional leaders, civic leaders and local councillors.
The MEC emphasised the importance of circumcision in an effort to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases especially HIV and AIDS. More than 14 500 male medical circumcision were performed in the province last year.The department aims to provide the service to about 100 000 by the end of March 2012. This will be achieved by making the service available through all hospitals and Community Health Centres.
The MEC urged the young to uphold the values that they had been taught during their month-long stay at initiation school including respect for themselves and for women.
“Your behaviour within your families and your community will set you apart from “boys”. How you relate to and treat women will indeed confirm that you are worthy of being called men. Respect for all age groups is what you have been taught during your initiation. This also includes continuing to respect your elders whether they are your biological parents or not,” she said.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Health MEC calls for safe circumcision of boys
Province
