‘No single boy should die in the name of culture’
The MEC for Health in Limpopo, Dr Phopi Ramathuba, says no single boy must lose his life in the name of culture.
This comes after the initiation school season started on Friday, June 16. Ramathuba encouraged young boys and men who are not yet circumcised to take advantage of the free procedures offered by medical doctors at hospitals. To be part of the programme, interested parties need to register at their nearest health facility, clinic or hospital. “It is about preserving our culture while preserving lives,” the MEC stated.
Numerous health facilities in the Mopani District Municipality are able to perform the procedure. In the Ba-Phalaborwa region, Namakgale B Clinic and the Maphuta Malatji Hospital can be visited. In Maruleng Sekororo Hospital, Sekororo Clinic and Mabins Clinic will be able to help and in Giyani Nkhesani Hospital, Kremetart Clinic and Basani Clinic can assist.
Also read: Initiation season starts
In the Tzaneen area it is Dr CN Phatudi Hospital, Letaba Hospital, Van Velden Hospital, Shilubana Health Centre and Grace Mugodeni Health Centre that can assist and in the Letaba municipal area Kgapane Hospital, Matswi Clinic, Duiwelskloof Clinic and Rotterdam Clinic are able to attend to requests.
Ramathuba stated that the health benefits of circumcision include that it reduces the risk of infection in sexual diseases, as well as the risks of vaginal, cervical, anal and penile cancers and new HIV infections. For more information, visit the nearest health facility.
