Nation urged to embrace circumcision

Lloyd Gumbo recently in Mbembesi
Zimbabweans have been urged to embrace circumcision to reduce their chances of contracting HIV and Aids. Speaking at a welcoming ceremony for the visiting South African King of the Xhosa, Zwelonke Sigcawu and his delegation in Mbembesi last Friday, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu hailed the Xhosa people in Umguza for observing their culture.
King Zwelonke is the first Xhosa King to visit Zimbabwe since the Xhosa people migrated from South Africa more than hundred years ago. He came with members of the royal family. Minister Mpofu said Government has adopted circumcision as an HIV preventive measure strategy had started a long time ago with the Xhosa.
The minister said he was strong and healthy because he had been circumcised and leant a lot of things from the Xhosa.

"Men who are not circumcised should do what the Xhosa do by getting circumcised because if you don't, you will die," said Minister Mpofu.
"You can look at me and see that I am healthy because I got circumcised; so you should do the same. I am not a Xhosa but I got circumcised and I am feeling strong now. I also want to hail the Xhosa for observing their culture whether they are in Mount Darwin or Fort Rixon."
Minister Mpofu said King Sigcawu's visit was history in the making because it was the first time that a king had visited Zimbabwe.
King Zwelonke said his delegation had come to Zimbabwe to check on their relatives who settled in Zimbabwe. He hailed the government for protecting the Xhosa culture and for initiating empowerment programmes.

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