THE Bhisho administration said it would consider making male medical circumcision compulsory if initiates continue to die in the bush.
The briefing in Bhisho was to discuss interventions by the Eastern Cape government to curb the deaths of young men.
Xasa warned if intervention did not succeed, “government will be left with no option but to introduce compulsory male medical circumcision in all the affected areas”.
Since the start of the winter initiation season, 25 young men have died. Most of the deaths were in the O R Tambo district.
A number of interventions have already been planned, and Bhisho is also toying with the idea of introducing centralised initiation schools in troubled areas around Pondoland.
The provincial administration is also planning to host a traditional initiation summit in September to consider new innovations to curb initiate deaths across the province.
“Our observation has been that this is due to the multiplication of illegal initiation schools in those areas where people have commercialised the tradition, seeing it as a quick way of making money at the expense of the lives of our young boys,” Xasa said.
The MEC also revealed that all boys going to the initiation schools this summer would have to be registered in their schools and get places between August 1 and September 30, “failing which they will not be allowed to undergo the process”.
“It should be emphasised that whilst the practice is not only the responsibility of government but rather a family and societal matter, as a caring government we decided to intervene to save lives lost due to negligence, criminal elements and the commercialisation of the practice,” said Xasa.
Masualle attributed the carnage in the O R Tambo district to young boys who did not respect their fathers.
“You will note that in areas where these children are running the show, things are not right ...
“We cannot proceed as if it’s business as usual. If we have to trample toes in order to save lives, then let it be.”
Masualle said in areas where most of the deaths occurred, people should consider the option of medical male circumcision.
“That is something very serious for those communities to consider if we are to save lives.” —
Bhisho may force initiation change
THE Bhisho administration said it would consider making male medical circumcision compulsory if initiates continue to die in the bush.
The briefing in Bhisho was to discuss interventions by the Eastern Cape government to curb the deaths of young men.
Xasa warned if intervention did not succeed, “government will be left with no option but to introduce compulsory male medical circumcision in all the affected areas”.
Since the start of the winter initiation season, 25 young men have died. Most of the deaths were in the O R Tambo district.
A number of interventions have already been planned, and Bhisho is also toying with the idea of introducing centralised initiation schools in troubled areas around Pondoland.
The provincial administration is also planning to host a traditional initiation summit in September to consider new innovations to curb initiate deaths across the province.
“Our observation has been that this is due to the multiplication of illegal initiation schools in those areas where people have commercialised the tradition, seeing it as a quick way of making money at the expense of the lives of our young boys,” Xasa said.
The MEC also revealed that all boys going to the initiation schools this summer would have to be registered in their schools and get places between August 1 and September 30, “failing which they will not be allowed to undergo the process”.
“It should be emphasised that whilst the practice is not only the responsibility of government but rather a family and societal matter, as a caring government we decided to intervene to save lives lost due to negligence, criminal elements and the commercialisation of the practice,” said Xasa.
Masualle attributed the carnage in the O R Tambo district to young boys who did not respect their fathers.
“You will note that in areas where these children are running the show, things are not right ...
“We cannot proceed as if it’s business as usual. If we have to trample toes in order to save lives, then let it be.”
Masualle said in areas where most of the deaths occurred, people should consider the option of medical male circumcision.
“That is something very serious for those communities to consider if we are to save lives.” —
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