Zulu Monarch calls for more men to undergo circumcision

 His Majesty the King of the Zulu nation Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhezukulu has called upon more KZN men to undergo circumcision as part of efforts to combat the spread of HIV/Aids. The King’s appeal came today during the uLwaluko Homecoming Ceremony which was held in Kokstad in the Harry Gwala district municipality.

This ceremony welcomes back young men who have successfully undergone the practice of ukusoka (circumcision). It celebrates their safe return from the six initiation traditional schools around the Greater Kokstad area. It was attended by KZN MECs for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Social Development Weziwe Thusi, and Arts Culture and Sports and Recreation Bongi Sithole-Moloi.

His Majesty’s call is in line with the decree he made in 2009 when he revived the tradition of ukusoka (circumcision) which was backed enthusiastically by the KZN Provincial Government. Since then over 700 000 men in the province have been circumcised.

The King has also urged government to ensure that indigenous knowledge is used in conjunction with the best of Western medical practices to ensure that the fight against the spread of the HIV/Aids is ultimately successful.

Speaking at the ceremony, MEC Dube-Ncube thanked the King for his visionary leadership in reviving this practice which is also being championed by the Provincial Government. “As the Provincial Government, we are happy to see young men in Kokstad and all surrounding areas undergoing the practice of traditional circumcision in safe and hygienic environments. We are also happy to see that these men are being taught about the responsibility men have in building our communities,” said Dube-Ncube.

 

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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