Evaluating the Health Hazards Associated with the Cultural Rite of Circumcision in Contemporary South Africa and other Eclectic Contexts

Abstract

This paper, through a review of literature methodology, aims to discuss, debate and raise discourse associated with the health hazards associated with circumcision, primarily in South Africa. The paper calls for a cost-benefit analysis to be conducted in order to pit the benefits of the circumcision rite against possible loss associated with the norm. The paper has identified the following health hazards: damage to the penile structures, fatalities associated with the norm, inflicting bodily harm and violation of the initiates' human rights. As a way forward, the paper recommends establishing or enforcing policies to regulate the operations and the practice of traditional male circumcision, the government to launch effective monitoring and conduct periodic surveillances of the practice, ensuring collaboration of different stakeholders for consultation on the issue, and establishing circumcision based counseling services. The paper concludes by challenging the government to put more efforts in addressing the issue of deaths associated with circumcision in South Africa.