The attitudes of the Xhosa community towards indigenously uncircumcised men in Bizana

Abstract

The purpose of the study: Was to explore and describe the cultural values related to the indigenous circumcision that leads to attitudes towards indigenously uncircumcised men in the AmaXhosa community. To explore and describe why are the uncircumcised men are being discriminated and stigmatised amongst AmaXhosa community. Methodology: The study utilized the qualitative methodology whereby face-to-face interviews as well as telephonic interviews were performed. The population of the study was men and women who resides in Bizana where the study was conducted and analysed following thematic data analysis. Study population and sample: The target population for this research study was the indigenous community that resides in Bizana and is familiar with indigenous male circumcision. The study sample was purposively drawn from the Bizana community among AmaXhosa that included both men and women who know indigenous male circumcision to give detailed information. Data collection and data analysis methods: Data were collected using semi structured interviews. The overall purpose of using semi-structured interviews for data collection was to gather information from key informants who have personal experiences, attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs related to the topic ‘the attitudes of the Xhosa community towards indigenously uncircumcised men in Bizana’. Eleven interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Findings: Four themes emerged during data collection which are: respect, language, regarded as a men and secrecy. It was found that indigenous male circumcision is highly respected amongst AmaXhosa tribe as it gives the status of being a man irrespective of your age. It was also found that the secrecy of indigenous male circumcision is well protected amongst AmaXhosa community. Recommendations: It is recommended in the study that indigenous male circumcision be practiced with respect that it commands from the community. In addition, it is recommended that the male medical circumcision be promoted prior to indigenous male circumcision as a rite of passage to manhood.