Male circumcision campaign gets royal support

By Thobani Mbambo

THE traditional leadership of Mnini traditional community in Umgababa, has thrown his weight behind a campaign of male circumcision in the area in order to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli was speaking at the launch of an initiative being driven by eThekwini Municipality and the Department of Health.

It was held at the Inkosi Luthuli’s royal residence in Umnini on Saturday, 24 June. The campaign aims to circumcise young men in line with scientific research that shows male circumcision reduces the spread of HIV/Aids. Addressing dozens of young men who heeded the call made by government and the institution of traditional leadership for them to undergo male circumcision in order to reduce the chances of them contracting the virus, Inkosi Luthuli said the campaign was about more than young men simply going under the knife.

“In any nation young people are the future. As a community that has a high regard for its traditions and customs, we have placed the development of this generation at the top of our agenda. We believe that we would have failed in our duty if we don’t provide guidance to our young people. We fully support this campaign which is also aimed at teaching young people the values of self-respect, self-reliance and how to be better leaders for tomorrow,” said Inkosi Luthuli. “We all know of social ills such as drug abuse and high incidents of alcoholism. This campaign is also aimed at bringing a sense of self-worth to our young and reminding them of the decisions they are making.’’

He added that the campaign would not have been a success without the support of Izinduna and other community structures. Luthuli called on young people to learn from the bravery of the 16 June generation in order to confront the challenges facing them. Speaking after undergoing circumcision, Mthokozisi Luthuli said he supported the campaign and called on other young men to follow suit. When I decided to do this (circumcision), I was a bit nervous but the whole operation went well without me feeling any pain. I really feel glad that I have done this.’’

Nurse Mbambi, who manned the mobile clinic for circumcision, said they encouraged young men to have the operation as it was done under safe, hygienic conditions. She said the campaign had been a huge success.

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