Circumcision initiates thankful for the values of manhood
The 295 initiates who underwent weeks of initiation through circumcision in Kokstad are full of praise about the life skills and personal values imparted to them by the Indlondlo (a circumcision institute), which is a strategic partner of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
Yesterday, the initiates were welcomed back to their community amid much fanfare after spending weeks at the local circumcision camps.
The camps were attended by scores of young men from different backgrounds.
One of the young initiates, Robin Van Wyk, spoke passionately about how attending the circumcision camp had changed his life.
“Initiation changes you and my life now will never be the same. Before I went in I was rude, but I’ve emerged a changed person. My views have changed about smoking, drinking and irresponsible behaviour. It has given me a new lease on life. It feels like a rebirth of the spirit and soul,” he said.
Since 2010 His Majesty made a clarion call to revive medical at Umkhosi Woselwa in 2009; the KZN Department of Health has circumcised more than 500 000 men and boys, without a single death and/or amputation.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said he was “highly impressed” by the attitude displayed by the initiates. “We are very proud of these young men and we have hope that they will, henceforth, carry themselves with honour and integrity.
“Medical Male Circumcision has the potential to not only curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, but also to make a meaningful change in our society; to the extent that one day we may not even need to have campaigns such as 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children, because through it we have an opportunity to produce great these leaders of tomorrow; men with integrity,” Dr Dhlomo said.
Contacts:
Robin Van Wyk (young initiate)
Cell: 078 8242 780
Benny Khobo
Cell: 083 754 1207
