South Africa: Chiefs demand return of control over circumcision

Submitted by anthony on Sun, 2009-11-01 20:10

Article here. Excerpt:

'DISGRUNTLED Eastern Cape traditional leaders want the Health Department to relinquish all powers vested in it to save initiates’ lives during the forthcoming summer initiation season.

The traditional leaders recently launched a bid to have the Application of Health Standards in Traditional Circumcision Act amended.

About 54 boys died and 13 others lost their genitals because of botched circumcisions during the winter circumcision season in Transkei.
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Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa) provincial secretary Chief Xolile Ndevu said this week the leaders wanted “complete power” to drive the tradition.

According to the Act, traditional surgeons and their attendants cannot perform circumcisions unless they are approved by a medical officer appointed by the department. No initiation school may operate before obtaining permission from the local medical officer.'

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