As a young man is wheeled out of the hospital’s recovery room, he carefully lifts the bedcovers for a quick, reassuring glance. It appears all is well, and he is feeling surprisingly good despite undergoing a medical circumcision just moments before.
He is one of 49 boys, aged between 9 and 15, who travelled from Sasolburg, Zamdela, Iraq, and Deneysville in the Free State to participate in the ‘Rite Cut’ initiative during the recent school holidays. Facilitated by Netcare Vaalpark Hospital in collaboration with the Netcare Foundation and the Metsimaholo and Fezile Dabi Districts, the programme forms part of a broader effort to promote health and wellbeing among young males in the region.
| Pic: A big thumbs up and a happy smile from a brave Kwezi as he is wheeled out of the theatre at Netcare Vaalpark Hospital. |
| Pic: The success of ‘The Right Cut’ programme comes as a result of the ongoing dedication and support of a committed team. Seen here from left to right are Dr Sias Searle, Dr Simon Radebe, Malefetsane Tsolo, project leader and infection prevention and control practitioner at Netcare Vaalpark Hospital and registered nurse Sr Juanita Searle |
| Pic: In high spirits as they cheerfully donate their time to make a difference in their community are the members of the Netcare Vaalpark Hospital management team: Lerato Radebe, Betty Miya, Lebo Molatseli, Karen Jansen van Vuuren, Theanita Aldridge, Beryl Krugess, Louisa Nosilela and Malefetsane Tsolo. |
Sr Karen Jansen van Vuuren, nursing manager of Netcare Vaalpark Hospital, says the young men who choose medical circumcision with the support of their families are true heroes. “Despite their youth, they arrived at the hospital with their families, exuding a sense of responsibility far beyond their years. Their decision to embrace this significant rite shows a remarkable maturity and commitment that belies their tender age,” she says.
Medical reasons for circumcision:
- It can help lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, HPV, and herpes.
- It protects against penile cancer and the risk of cervical cancer in female partners.
- It may also prevent inflammation of the glans and a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back.
The importance of medical circumcision:
- It ensures safety and minimises risks.
- It avoids bleeding, infection and potential surgical complications.
Now, in its second consecutive year, the ‘Rite Cut’ has already had a marked, positive impact at community level because of the safety of the procedure and its impact on the decrease in sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, HPV and herpes cases.
“The demand for voluntary male circumcision during the July school holidays has always been high at Netcare Vaalpark Hospital, and our discussions with nearby communities revealed a great need for medical circumcisions. This led to the programme's expansion to support children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds who wanted the procedure,” Sr Jansen van Vuuren adds.
A comprehensive approach to health and education
“This initiative is not just about the surgical procedure; it encompasses a holistic approach to health education and post-operative care. Before undergoing circumcision, the boys and their families participate in comprehensive pre-operative health talks, and they receive follow-up care instructions in Sesotho and English. This ensures they are well-informed and fully prepared for the procedure and the recovery process. Meticulous post-operative care is provided, with the hospital offering continuous support, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water, which is crucial for proper healing,” explains Sr Jansen van Vuuren.
Making informed decisions about your body
An essential aspect of the programme is to empower young men to make informed decisions about their bodies. “Circumcision, a surgical procedure to remove skin or tissue from the genitals, must be undertaken with full understanding and consent. If a young man chooses circumcision, it must be done safely and with adequate pain control and access to a doctor for checkups after surgery. In many traditional societies, expectations surrounding circumcision have led to instances where young men have undergone unsafe non-medical circumcisions, often with potentially life-threatening repercussions.”
According to Mande Toubkin, general manager of emergency, trauma, transplant, and corporate social investment, by integrating these educational components, the ‘Rite Cut’ programme not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters a culture of informed health decisions and safe practices, contributing to the long-term health of the community.
“The feedback from the community has been positive and heart-warming, with the young men proudly showing off their personalised certificates of bravery, a popular component of the programme. The Netcare Foundation is honoured to support this vital community initiative, which offers a safer path to adulthood. Our sincere gratitude goes to the medical professionals, families, and community leaders who brought this inspirational initiative to life for the safe continuation of culturally relevant traditions,” adds Toubkin.
A word of thanks
“The collaboration between medical professionals, families, and community leaders has created a pioneering model for safely continuing culturally significant practices. The programme’s success is a testament to the dedication and ongoing support of medical professionals like Dr Sias Searle and his wife, registered nurse Sr Juanita Searle, who have volunteered their time and expertise for the second consecutive year. Their efforts were further complemented by the support of Dr Mabude and Dr Bester’s practice, which sponsored the services of Dr Simon Radebe,” notes Sr Jansen van Vuuren.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the entire Netcare Vaalpark Hospital team, including nurses, the reception team, and pharmacy staff, for their unwavering support. Special appreciation goes to those who provided soup and bread for parents and guardians, EMPACT catering for refreshments and snacks for the patients, and the South African Medical Association Vaal River branch for their generous donation of goodie bags. Finally, we are deeply grateful to the Netcare Foundation for making this initiative possible,” concludes Sr Jansen van Vuuren.
Ends
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For media enquiries, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of the Netcare Vaalpark Hospital and
the Netcare Foundation
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster
or Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]