Effect of botched circumcision to survivors : a pastoral challenge

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a botched circumcision on survivors. How these maimed for life, initiates, feel emotionally(psychological pain rather than physical obvious pain). The study was conducted on survivors of an area, where there is high prevalence of botched circumcision. It also highlighted the historical background that is unique leading to the causal factors or irregularities in the target area which is Western Mpondoland, three districts in the Eastern Cape, province in South Africa. Circumcision is one of the puberty rituals of Xhosa speaking people. It is a passage from boyhood to manhood. It is performed to boys from 18 years upwards. After this, these would be regarded as responsible citizens ready to be a help in their communities. This rite signifies the Xhosa Speaking nations human dignity. Unfortunately, after 2005, it is plagued by irregularities of injuries to initiates. This happens during surgery and after surgery, only in traditional male circumcision, not in medical male circumcision. This is so catastrophic nearly in all circumcision seasons. Although this is pandemic, this target area is chosen because of high prevalence of a botched circumcision on survivors. Beside the historical background which appears as a causal factor for high prevalence in the research area, main aims of the study are reflected as:- • Conscientising cultural custodians that the long loved circumcision rite is blurred by irregu larities • Recommendations to curb and combat casualties • Designing a pastoral healing model for priests and pastors The research was conducted to survivor initiates in 2 hospitals, and in the villages nearby some hospitals. It was conducted to those initiates, who have been discharged by the hospitals and clinics in previous years. These were already staying in the community. A researcher Designed Questionaire(RDQ) in vernacular language, Xhosa, with English translation was used to collect data from initiates. 3 noninitiates were interviewed for more and objective information. This was done in English. This instrument was designed to dig viii deep in their feelings hence it was in vernacular for initiates, in this area with high level of illiteracy. The study’s findings exposed the following 1. Hurt. There is a high degree of hurt they are bottling inside 2. ANGER AND DEPRESSION 3. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. They are looking for chances to eliminate their lives is there is they are worthless to them and outcasted by communities 4. Fear to urinate with other men in public toilets. In public where there are no public toilets when looking after live stock in the pastures as they are to squart there like females. 5. Self-quarantine and self-isolation in fear of public open rejection The study ends by recommendations of how to combat and curb this pandemic, that is a botched circumcision. Training of traditional surgeons and traditional nurses being the main and easing tension by traditional male circumcision practitioners against medical male circumcision practitioners. A therapeautic model for journeying with survivors was proposed. This would help in restoring their lost human dignity and less discrimination and humiliation.This would help pastors, priests, churches and communities to adequatly support these survivors as they are living in the community. They will be cautious, not to aggravate their plight. Areas for further investigation are open for the effect of a botched circumcision on families of survivors.