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African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905
EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 15, No. 1, 2015, pp. 283-287
Bioline Code: hs15039
Full paper language: English
Document type: Case Report
Document available free of charge

African Health Sciences, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2015, pp. 283-287

 en Dangerous to mix: culture and politics in a traditional circumcision in South Africa.
Banwari, Meel

Abstract

Background: Traditional circumcision (initiation) is an integral part of the Xhosa speaking communities. Circumcision is the first step towards manhood. It involves a number of cultural, religious, legal and ethical issues, which in terms of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, are rights that must be protected.
Objective: To highlight the problem of circumcision related death in South Africa.
Case Report: This case report examines a 16- year boy who had died as result of botched circumcision by an unqualified traditional surgeon. He kept the boy in his custody despite his serious illness. He applied a tight bandage to control the bleeding, resulting in gangrene of the penis followed by septicemia. The histories, postmortem findings, cause of death and medico- legal and social aspects have been discussed in this manuscript.
Conclusion: There are unacceptable deaths related with circumcision in South Africa. The right to life cannot be sacrificed at the altar of culture and politics.

Keywords
Circumcision; initiation; religion; culture and politics

 
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