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WSU researcher Maxhobandile Ndamase has examined the relevance of the Xhosa rite of passage, ulwaluko (male circumcision) in the Eastern Cape, which has been plagued by tragedy and scandal in recent years.
In his paper titled The Relevance of Male Circumcision in Xhosa Tribe in the 21st Century, Ndamase sought to look at whether or not the core purposes of traditional male circumcision were still intact, and if it was in fact still relevant.
While historically intended to foster ethical values and cultural sustainability, the practice has undergone shifts, leading to dire consequences such as abuse of initiates, deaths, as well as risky sexual behaviors and substance abuse amongst amakrwala (newly initiated men).
As the June school holidays draw nearer, many Xhosa homes across the Eastern Cape prepare to send their male teenagers to initiation school, prompting the need for general discourse on the tradition and its impact in society.
“I conducted the study based on the internal and external factors that impact male circumcision, which caused shifts in the aim of male circumcision and its purpose within culture. The shift caused many unsavoury activities, which are risky sexual behaviour and drug abuse, and these activities involved the newly emerged men. The study aimed to check the societal views based on these shifts associated with male circumcision,” said Ndamase.
Within the Xhosa community, ulwaluko holds great cultural significance. Ndamase asserted that beyond the physical act, the rite of passage serves as a test of endurance and resilience, fostering unity and solidarity amongst initiates.
The ritual, in its nature, should impart crucial lessons on societal roles, moral conduct, and shape responsible members of society.
However, Ndamase’s findings revealed a correlation between the ritual and risky sexual behavious as well as substance abuse. He argues that initiates are encouraged by their caregivers and other older men to engage in sexual activities, contributing to higher rates of STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
Moreover, the newly initiated men are taught that as a man you have the right to consume substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and sometimes heavy drugs.
These factors, according to Ndamase have dimished the cultural significance and relevance of the rite of passage amongst the Xhosa community.
“Male circumcision is no longer about instilling social values, but comes with many pressures. This causes a threat within society afflicted by STIs and teenage pregnancy. Initiation schools instruct young boys that after circumcision, they are adults, and they need to start having unprotected sex to prove their manhood status. After being circumcised, others are told that they can drink or smoke and must not listen to women or boys from now on because they are men,” said Ndamase.
While there have been many calls from the government for boys to opt for medical circumcision, Ndamase argues that there still is a need to preserve and protect the practise.
He proposed that it be subjected to health regulations. Rather than mandating hospital circumcisions, he proposes a skills-transfer development program to empower traditional surgeons and nurses to adhere to health standards while preserving cultural practices.
“Engagement between tribal leaders, elders, medical practitioners, and traditional practitioners is needed to build trust and partnerships. This collaboration should aim to understand and include their perspectives in decision-making processes regarding male circumcision. They should also form advisory committees that include community leaders and healthcare professionals to guide integrating cultural practices with modern health standards,” he concluded.
By Yanga Ziwele
