Brothers for Life ambassador Kagiso Modupe (33) has decided to get medically circumcised and is calling on 2000 men across the country to join him. Modupe is well loved for starring as Mangi Nyathi on the popularTV programme Scandal.
 
“I would like South African men to join me in a celebration of masculinity, brotherhood and good health. I’m calling on men to be circumcised with me on Saturday, 11 March 2017. There are 200 clinics involved in #ZwakalaSkeem day and it’s absolutely free. Because it’s a Saturday, men who work, won’t need to take time off.”
 
Kagiso is encouraging men to book for a medical circumcision by sending a ‘please call me’ to 082 808 6152 to secure a slot on #ZwakalaSkeem day at one of 150 clinics in Gauteng, KZN, Mpumpalanga and the North West. #ZwakalaSkeem means “come with me, brother”.
 
“I was motivated to have this done when I read how it can protect my wife from getting human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.  But I’ve learnt that in a recent survey of 100 000 men, 47% do it for hygiene reasons and 38% for HIV prevention. Circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60% as well as other sexually transmitted infections. Some men do it because it keeps the penis clean, and others because their partners prefer it, but whatever the reason, it’s the right thing to do.”
 
Kagiso will undergo the procedure at the Katlehong North Clinic. He has invited the Mini car club, a local DJ and the Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club to be there to celebrate the men who make the choice to circumcise. His wife, Liza Modupe will also take part in the celebrations. “I want it to be a chilled fun day where you can bring your wife and your kids,” he explains.
 
When asked why he wasn’t already circumcised, Kagiso responded that he’d considered it after high school. “A doctor told me my foreskin was too small which turned out to be nonsense. Then there were the usual issues: I was nervous about the pain, the healing period and abstaining from sex. I’ve since discussed circumcision with men who have had the procedure. They say there is more discomfort than pain. Also, painkillers are provided. You can’t have sex or masturbate for six weeks afterwards, but I’ve timed it to be totally healed by my birthday.”
 
Kagiso’s wife, Liza comments, “What he is doing is very brave. I totally support him and appreciate his decision to protect me and do the right thing.”
 
Dr Khumbulani Moyo, Medical Male Circumcision Manager at the USAID-funded Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision consortium consisting of partners Right to Care, CHAPS and MatCH says: “The public health benefits are significant.

One HIV infection can be prevented for every five circumcisions performed; it also reduces the risks of cervical, anal and prostate cancer. Circumcision is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide and when performed by healthcare professionals, complications are very rare.”

The South African circumcision programme is a Department of Health initiative supported by The US Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Over 2,5 million men have been circumcised through this programme since 2012.

After the circumcision, two follow up clinic visits are needed. Patients are advised to continue using condoms when having sex, to stick to one sexual partner and to know their HIV status.

Any male aged 10 – 49 and in good health, irrespective of HIV status, is eligible for free circumcision in South Africa. Those under 18 need parental consent.

To book an appointment for a circumcision near you on Saturday, 11 March 2017 or any other day send a ‘please call me’ to 082 808 6152 and mention #ZwakalaSkeem

Adapted from Press Release

Categories: Health and Fitness