Traditional circumcisers unbothered by USAID suspension

By: Ketemba Tjipepa

Traditional circumcisers see no need to panic over the suspension of USAID, including circumcision initiatives.

Male circumcision involves surgically removing the foreskin

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Traditional circumcisers use knives or blades to circumcise, starting on babies as early as eight months.

Manjeme Hepute is an elder who is well informed about traditional circumcisions.

Hepute says traditional circumcisers will continue circumcising as they have for years, without funding and that the pain men and boys endure is a natural part of the process.

“Circumcision is done in Windhoek too by other tribes, but we perform it at home due to traditional rituals. Pain is part of the process and won’t stop us. It has always been our tradition, practiced without funding, and we will continue doing it,” said Hepute.

Traditional circumciser Rananua Ngumbi says nothing will stop them from performing circumcisions.

“I’ve never heard of anyone dying from traditional circumcision. We use herbs for treatment after the process. Why should we stop? It’s our tradition, and we don’t need funding. Most still do it at home with traditional circumcisers, except for children born here,” said Ngumbi.

Maisanaune Tjambiru, circumcised at 14, said they do not need hospitals as traditional herbs are used.

“We do not take our children to hospitals; that is something other tribes do. Tradition is important to us. We do not follow modern ways—we continue to uphold our traditional practices,” said Tjambiru.

Tjurikouje Kuhanga added: “There is nothing wrong with traditional circumcision; it should continue. The government should support it, and both elders and youth should ensure it is preserved.

There have been no reports of children dying from traditional circumcision. When I was in the DRC, I saw they practice it too, using traditional herbs instead of hospital medicine.”