The Relevance of Male Circumcision in Xhosa Tribe under 21st Century at Nkanga Location

Description

Page: 11-18

Maxhobandile Ndamase¹, Sibahle Cele², Yamkela Ntando³, Lona Zwakala⁴, and Sinelizwi Ngwandla⁵ (Department of Administration Hospitality Management, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa¹,³, Department of Social Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa², and Department of Arts, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa⁴,⁵)

Many African states including South Africa practice cultural activities including Male Circumcision (MC) to instil principles in young boys. MC is regarded as the transition from boy to manhood. However, this practice has been associated with many forbidden activities such as risky sexual behaviours, and drug abuse as compared to the previous years. This forbidden activity has many debates about the relevance of MC in current generation. This study sought to explore the relevance of male circumcision in Xhosa tribe in the 21st century. The qualitative research approach, through unstructured interviews, was employed in the paper and the participants were approached purposely. The collected data was analysed using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that MC is relevant for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases such as STIs or HIV and the enhancement of sexual pleasure, however, the study also found that the tradition is relevant for preserving the Xhosa cultural customs, instilling good principles and ensuring human dignity. It further states that MC is irrelevant in the 21st century as it no longer serves its initial purpose and there are now more safer health practices for circumcision. The study thus recommended that the tradition must be preserved but subjected to health regulations. The MC needs to ensure that it suits the environment, is done by experienced people and it must not be compulsory.