Traditional leaders say it’s time to allow circumcision rite

Authorities in the Eastern Cape are looking to lift a suspension on traditional circumcision rites. 

The entire winter season was suspended because of Covid-19.  

Should the summer season be allowed, traditional leaders would need to manage huge numbers of young boys rushing to the bush for their rite.

  Calls to lift the suspension have been made by indigenous religious groups and lobby groups for traditional African customs.

Some are angered that the government has allowed other religious practices to be reintroduced, but not initiation rites.

Traditional leaders raised their concerns at a provincial consultation session in Bhisho.

Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders acting chair Langa Mavuso said: “Communities are ready and prepared to take their boys to the bush this summer season.

“Religious and other community gatherings have been allowed under the regulations of [lockdown] alert level one, but not ulwaluko. To suspend the traditional initiation summer season will be to deny people their constitutional right to enjoy and practise their culture.”

He said Eastern Cape communities had been disciplined in heeding the government’s call to suspend ulwaluko during the winter season.

“In preparation for the 2020 summer traditional initiation season, the house has crafted a risk-adjusted strategy to prevent, mitigate and combat challenges associated with Covid-19,” said Mavuso.

He said the consultation process was used to canvass views and suggestions to mitigate risks associated with Covid-19 towards the reopening of the summer traditional initiation season.

“We will be committing suicide if we do not open the summer season of ulwaluko. The rite of passage to manhood belongs to the families, traditional leaders and communities. We request our government to open the summer season to avoid the mushrooming of illegal amabhuma [initiation huts] in our province. The season must be done in line with regulations regarding alert level one,” said Mavuso.

Contralesa provincial chair Mwelo Nonkonyana was equally perplexed as to why initiation rites remained suspended.

“That is discriminatory and unfair towards our culture. Churches, sport, liquor sale and clubs operate. It it is only our culture, especially ulwaluko, that remains suspended. We are aware of the ongoing government attempts against ulwaluko in favour of male medical circumcision.

“We remain opposed to medical male circumcision. We call for a united front led by our provincial leadership towards the opening of the summer traditional season,”  Nonkonyana said.

The meeting resolutions will be presented to premier Oscar Mabuyane and Cogta MEC Xolile Nqatha.

“Time is not in our favour. We need to move with due speed on this matter. Our people are ready to send their boys to the bush. We dare not disappoint and test their patience,” said Mavuso.

Mabuyane recently called for suspension on traditional circumcision and initiation to be lifted “but operate under very strict conditions”.

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