Food shortage threatens circumcision project

likely to derail the annual initiation programme.
Circumcision reportedly reduces males from contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by 60 percent.
This year alone, thousands of inmates are undergoing the annual circumcision rites at four designated centres in Chikombedzi and Chiredzi.
The first groups are due for graduation on September 1.
However, Chilonga and Masivamele are the most affected camps, which could see the final stages of the circumcision being derailed.
During the initiation period, the inmates require constant feeding during the month – long period.
Sources said last week that there was real threat of starvation at Chilonga and Masivamele camps due to inadequate food supplies.
“To tell the truth, the situation is bad in the initiation camps especially at Masivamele and Chilonga, where food has run out as we speak. The authorities supervising the programme have approached several non-governmental organisations in Chiredzi that have promised to help, but the food situation remains critical.
“However, it is taboo in terms of our culture to expose the real state of affairs in the camps. But I must confess that it is very bad. There is a real risk that I will even be fined a cow if I disclose further details of the actual state of affairs.
“The cardinal rule among the Shangaans is that a person does not disclose the goings on in the camps before he or she goes through the circumcision process, but the situation is very bad,'” said a source from Chilonga village who refused to be named.
Another source added that graduation of some of those from Gezani and Sengwe was scheduled for September 1 and 2 this year while those at Masivamele and Chilonga camps would graduate at a later date owing to the prevailing food shortages.