Loyiso Ndabambi, 18, from Komga outside East London, was ready to go to initiation school, but the impasse between government and traditional leaders has resulted in his single parent, Ntombomzi, postponing the entire process.
“I was relying on my cousin who was going to assist and stay with my son at the initiation school until he comes back ... but with the government not officially saying circumcision is allowed, I cannot take that risk and send my son without government consent,” Ntombomzi says.
She says her family was prepared to donate the two goats needed for circumcision and a cow for the traditional celebration (umgidi).
“I had already bought two cases of brandy and gin in preparation for Loyiso’s circumcision. At least that will not go to waste. This means I just need to ensure that my son doesn’t crumble under pressure and end up going to circumcision illegally without telling me,” she said.
This comes as Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid 19 (MAC) has recommended to health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize that traditional circumcision be opened on December 1, under very strict regulations.
The MAC recommended Mkhize ensured that all localities have dedicated initiation forums to monitor the adherence to Covid 19 regulations.
In a memo dated September 21, the MAC states that boys must undergo proper medical screening and be tested for Covid-19 before being given a clearance certificate.
The MAC also recommended that initiates not share utensils and always observe social distancing.
“Initiation schools (amabhuma) should only accommodate a number of initiates that will allow them a distance of 1.5m apart. Amabhuma are to be well ventilated and deep cleaning is to be done from time to time to ensure enhanced hygiene levels,” the memo reads.
Traditional surgeons (ingcibi) and nurses (amakhankatha) must use masks and wash hands regularly and no visitors will be allowed.
“They should also be expected to use gloves as they service initiates at all times. Gloves are to be changed between initiates and procedures,” the committee recommended.
The committee further recommended that homecoming ceremonies (imigidi) be limited to 100 people, and be held between 8am and 5pm, with the sharing of utensils prohibited (hamba bhekile). They further recommend that the quantity of alcohol be limited.
“No ceremonies if rates of transmission increase,” the committee concluded.
Eastern Cape house of traditional leaders chair Nkosi Langa Mavuso says they have met all government requirements.
“On Saturday we made our last input to the guidelines requested by the minister. He (Mkhize) indicated his happiness with our proposals,” Mavuso said.
Mavuso said they now are waiting for government to give the go-ahead.
Last week the national working committee (NWC) of Contralesa told traditional leaders and parents to start preparing for the summer circumcision season.
Contralesa general secretary and ANC MP Zolani Mkiva said traditional leaders still held the view that the summer initiation season should be allowed, under strict guidelines and regulations.
“They [the initiates] can see that churches are open, leisure events are happening, alcohol is on sale and big bashes are hosted all over the country. Given all this, there is no rationale or justification for the continued ban on initiation,” Mkiva said.
Last week, the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) issued a statement saying the traditional initiation practices remained officially suspended in a bid to contain Covid-19.
However, on Thursday, Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma held a meeting with provincial house of traditional leaders, Mkhize, provincial health MEC Sindiswa Gomba and local traditional leaders to discuss reopening of circumcision this week.
In the past two weeks, an initiate from Nyandeni local municipality has died from a botched circumcision, while 38 boys have been rescued and reunited with their parents.
Eastern Cape Cogta spokesperson Mamnkeli Ngam said provincial government was awaiting guidance from national government.
“Our request is still on the table ... circumcisions, however, remain suspended until we get response from national government on our risk adjusted plan presented to Mkhize last week,” Ngam said.
