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The Voice (Francistown)

Botswana: To Nip Or Not

1 April 2008

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Francistown — In recent times, advocacy for circumcision as one of the majors in the fight against HIV and AIDS, has taken root. For a country like Botswana, where traditional initiation long took a back seat, could circumcision be considered by some as an option? GONTSE GAREEBINE finds out.

ANDREW BIGBOY, 29, Jackalas No.2

I personally don't have a problem with circumcision as I think it is very hygienic. If one's foreskin is cut off, no viruses can hide underneath it so really, the chances of viruses accumulating there and building into sexually transmitted diseases are minimal, I believe, and from personal experience. I was circumcised at a very tender age and it is common amongst my culture to have infants circumcised by elderly males of the community such as our grandfathers. I encourage more men to go for it as one will not easily get malwetse a masesanyane. It is a myth that circumcised men do not enjoy sex as much as those who remain uncircumcised.

GLASS GASEROBE, 30, Molepolole

I am not circumcised yet but have booked with the Old Naledi Clinic who will then refer me to Princess Marina Hospital, where I will have my circumcision procedure. I have heard from general information in different hospitals and clinics, from nurses and doctors, that it is advantageous to undergo circumcision, as it reduces one's chances of getting infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. But this does not mean that once circumcised, men should go about and engage in sex without using condoms.

KABO MORALADI, 28, Chwaaneng in Borolong District

I have plans to get circumcised in future as I have an allergy to the lubricant used in most condoms. It gives me a rush on my foreskin and I believe removing the skin will solve the problem. This does not mean that I will stop using protection though. I just want to believe that once I do away with my foreskin, I won't have any allergic reactions.

THABO MODISE, 22, Mmathethe

I am against circumcision as I once read somewhere that it can make one incapable of having children. I also understand that it can be very painful, especially if the procedure is carried out when one has already grown up.

STEVEN STORY BATANE, 21, Makopong

I am from Kgalagadi and have not undergone circumcision as it is not practiced in our culture. I know the Bakgatla do it and treat is as a transition from being a boy to a man. For us, the change in one's voice as it deepens, body hair that starts growing in certain places at a certain time is all that we need to know that one has matured. But I have heard that circumcision can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so I am not totally writing it off.

TSHEPO SETSHWANE, 22, Sikwane

I think that men should get circumcised as they can wash and feel truly clean. It is just hygienic. On whether it is different to engage in sex with a circumcised/uncircumcised person, I do not know as I stick to one partner.

MARGARET TITUS, 48, Kokotsha

I can't say much on circumcision as we do not practice it in my culture. But should any of my children be interested in undergoing the medical procedure, I would not have any problems with it. As a parent, I feel that in these trying times that we are in, I am open and do discuss issues of concern such as sexual intercourse and diseases that crop up. The days of shying away from such issues are long gone. Parents should talk more to their children about sexuality.

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