
=====================================================================
Circumcision
=====================================================================

Speeches and Media Releases
 Health

[         w

EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

Department of Health

Media Release on Circumcision, 25 July 1999

There has been many newspapers reports about initiative dying in the circumcision camps, and the Department of Health is concerned. The 
department has come a long way with problems as far back as 1993 and its intervention has averted many deaths.

As the Department, we feel we cannot keep quite whilst the problem is continuing to surface. The departmental health workers have many a 
time intervened in terms of meetings, workshops throughout the Province advising people, listening to the inputs and giving assistance when 
necessary. We have noticed though that there is an improvement to the problem but there is still a great degree of ignorance in some areas. 
Even in the areas which are problematic we have representatives who deal with circumcision.

We have provided and still do empower the Ingcibis, amakhankatha with basic principles of hygiene like washing of hands, how to use 
bandages and how to deal with epileptic cases. Be as that may we are not trying to westernise the ritual but as the Department we have a 
responsibility to provide quality life to all South African citizens.

All the participants (traditional surgeons/nurses) should bear in mind that they are carrying lives of children and future leaders in their 
hands. Therefore it is important that the ritual is done in an informed environment and a skill must be guaranteed. This can be done by 
people who are responsible, known by the community and accustomed to the ritual.

We highly recommend that the Ingcibis must do the work and manage it and if they notice a problem that must be reported to the 
community/health intervention units. We also encourage the ingcibi to organise themselves into autonomous associations which should be 
authentic to them.

The following are some of the recommendations towards healthy circumcision practice which were workshopped in the entire Eastern Cape:

* There must be parental permission to enter the school.
* Parents/Guardians should ensure that the boys undergo a medical examination prior to entering the circumcision school. This helps to 
detect underlying diseases and treat them before the school.
* The recommended age is 18 years which also suggest mental maturity.
* The traditional surgeon should use one instrument per boy. The Department supplies when it is needed.
* The traditional Surgeon should not practice under influence of liquor.
* Both the traditional surgeon and nurse have a track record and recognition.

The tradition should be given the respect it deserves and that should be maintained at all times. We also saying to the boys it is 
dangerous to steal themselves to the custom because that could lead to unhappy results.

Issued by: Nomsa Gantsho

Tel: (040)-635 2166/082 566 3664/082 825 6263

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Home | About the Eastern Cape | Economy
 Structures | International Relations | Documents
 Premier's Office | Speeches & Media Releases
 Top of Page

---------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Eastern Cape

Premier's Office

Structures

Documents

Speeches & Media Releases

International Relations

Economy




