NEHAWU CONDEMNS THE DEATH OF TWENTY THREE {23} INITIATES IN MPUMALANGA

NEHAWU condemns the death of twenty three {23} initiates in Mpumalanga and is calling for the intervention by the national department of health and the provincial administration. What is even more abominable and perplexing is the reluctance of the Health MEC in the province, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini to intervene because of cultural sensitivities. While NEHAWU respects culture and people's belief systems, we find it irresponsible, preposterous and even immoral that young people's lives are destroyed in the name tradition (see report).

The MEC''s decision not to intervene is not just reckless and absurd but is a dereliction of duty. She needs to account to the people of Mpumalanga and South Africa and also has to give good reasons why; she still deserves the trust of the people of this country.

Male circumcision is not only relevant as a cultural ritual but is also important for medical reasons. It has been proven that medical male circumcision reduces the rate of HIV/Aids infection by almost 40/60%.We therefore fully support male circumcision but insists that it should be performed by well trained individuals and precautions should be made including the clampdown on bogus traditional surgeons.

Young people need to be tested for HIV/Aids, Blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases before they undergo the procedures.Underage teens need to get parental consent. Proper emergency arrangements need to be made during these procedures including follow-up consultations with properly qualified medical practitioners.

All surgeons need to strictly adhere to health standards and it is shameful that the guardian of these standards in Mpumalanga province is busy pandering to traditionalists with their archaic interpretation of customs . The human rights in this country are enshrined in our constitution and cannot be handed over to cultural demagogues with their antiquated interpretations and methods.

Statement issued by NEHAWU Secretariat Office, May 17 2013

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