FOR POPULAR local actor Kagiso Modupe, getting circumcised next month is not so much about the effect it will have on his sex life, but for his wife’s health.
Modupe, 33, a Brothers for Life ambassador, is taking his health into his own hands and is calling on 2 000 men across the country to join him.
Modupe - well loved for starring as Mangi Nyathi on the popular TV programme Scandal will undergo the procedure at the Katlehong North Clinic on March 11.
“There was a time when I was in university when me and my friends were just talking about doing it (getting circumcised)... I went to my doctor and he told me not to worry about it, that I didn’t really need to do it,” he said.
Not until he researched how it could protect his wife Liza from getting human papillomavirus (HPV), which may cause cervical cancer, did he realise he needed to act.
“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.”
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 said: “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,” said Moyo.
Modupe said encouraging medical male circumcision was “a movement” for him and one that should be about “promoting healthier lifestyles”.
“Let’s be soldiers as men - if we claim we love our women, let’s show it,” he added.
Modupe said there were 200 clinics involved in #ZwakalaSkeem day and it would be free.
Modupe encourages 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”.
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 said.
Liza said: “What he is doing is very brave. I totally support him and appreciate his decision to protect me and do the right thing.”
Any male aged 10 to 49 and in good health, irrespective of HIV status, is eligible for free circumcision in South Africa.
Those under 18 need parental consent.