Policy shortcomings affecting traditional male circumcision (TMC) in the Eastern Cape Province

• Main Authors: Nomngcoyiya, Thanduxolo, Kang’ethe, Simon
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: Stellenbosch University 2019-03-01
• Series: Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk
• Subjects: Traditional male circumcision; Eastern Cape province of South Africa; Traditional male circumcision policies
• Online Access: http://socialwork.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/693
• ISSN: 0037-8054; 2312-7198

The study took the form of a qualitative empirical case study in order to carry out a critical analysis of the shortcomings of existing policy pertaining to traditional male circumcision (TMC) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Interview guides were developed to conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 28 participants. Among the principal conclusions from the findings were evidence of a lack of clarity on performing TMC operations, diverging perceptions of policy pertaining to TMC, unclear selection criteria for practitioners, and a lack of enforcement of policies which have been formulated. Recommendations are offered on the basis of the conclusions.