Circumcision camp to stand in for absent fathers

Groups of five boys assigned a mentor in month-long programme

A Chintsa-based organisation is tackling initiation deaths by providing a safe, closely monitored environment in the form of a circumcision camp.

Despite Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stating last week that initiation practices will be prohibited until the end of the national state of disaster, the Jongilanga Moral Regeneration School is putting in place measures that it hopes will assist in bringing down the initiation mortality rate.

Covid-19 and the national lockdown have already put paid to the winter initiation season.

However, initiation deaths have long been a scourge in the Eastern Cape.

A document released by the Eastern Cape health department in late 2019 indicates that 816 initiates have died in the past 13 years. More than 300 initiates suffered amputations in the 13-year period, and more than 8,000 initiates were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

But now the Jongilanga Moral Regeneration School believes it has the answer. Their idea is to hold a circumcision camp, which will cater to boys from the province about to embark on the journey to manhood.

“It will mostly be Grade 11 or 12 pupils, or boys 17 going on 18. Our initiates also will be part of our organisation, making them lifetime members,” said Jongilanga co-founder Xhelinkomo Ndungane.

“The organisation was founded to address the root causes influencing and accelerating the decline of morality among our youth. We are supporting the youth to unlock their full potential in all spheres of life, and will be offering them a meaningful, purpose-driven and special journey into manhood.”

Parents will pay a one-off fee of R20,000 that will cover all costs in relation to the camp and initiation rites.

“We will visit schools in East London, Mthatha, Komani and Makhanda to set up parent evenings to present our initiation school to them. In the camp, the boys will be made to understand the expectations on them upon leaving. They will also be introduced to farming practices in crops and livestock.”

One of the focuses of the camp will be on helping boys from single-parent homes to cope in life.

Jongilanga executive board member Khwezi Vika said: “Many homes and families unfortunately have had the difficulty of growing up in singleparent homes, usually where only the mother is present. The effect of this is significant, as mothers often experience hardship when it is time for initiation.

“Though many mothers do a sterling job in bringing up their sons, the role of a father figure as a disciplinarian or guide has to be acknowledged. Our aim is to fulfil this aspect in the lives of young boys”, Vika said.

The programme lasts three to four weeks.

There will be between 30 and 50 boys per intake, and groups of five boys are assigned a mentor or caregiver, or “iKhankata”.

Before undergoing circumcision, the boys’ health and fitness will be tested. Initiates will receive customised masks and individual sanitising kits.

During their stay on the farm, no outside visitors will be allowed unless they produce certificates of recovery from Covid19 or have tested negative for the virus.

“We will also serve as a career guide. Boys displaying outstanding achievement in sport or academics may be granted support as required. When they leave the camp, they will get a full suit and traditional wear that will indicate they have entered manhood,” Ndungane said.