Ulwaluko

During the first 7 days the initiates are confined to a hut (bhoma) and the use of certain foods, for example meat, is restricted, but this may differ as certain homes have their own beliefs or ways of doing things.

The termination of the period of seclusion commences when the boys are urged to race down to the river to wash themselves, yet again, depending on the location.

He furthermore emphasised the cultural importance of the ritual as educational institution, preparing initiates "to contribute to building a better society for all.

The Health Minister Zweli Mkhize recommended that the schools no longer practice the ritual in summer months.

[12] Doctors have said that due to the circumstances surrounding illegal circumcision schools, South Africa has become one of the countries with the greatest need for penis transplantation.

The ritual practise of Ulwaluko is a highly respected and sacred cultural practice among the Xhosa and some Nguni speaking peoples of South Africa.

It has been alleged that the impact of the practice may threaten the self-esteem of a homosexual young man, although it is not compulsory for any person to participate.

(Mdedetyana, 2019)[20] Several ceremonies take place before the young person 'enters' in which the family gathers to seek blessings and see the boy off.

There is absolutely (or should not be) no sex in the bush, hetero or otherwise, as it is considered a holy place safe for children (like Sunday school).

[23] In January 2014 he set up a website to "inform prospective initiates and the broader community about the dark secrets of the ritual.

"[24] The website includes detailed information about the medical problems accompanying the ritual and offers possible solutions to mitigate these risks.

It also features a gallery of over 150 photographs of penises injured through botched ritual circumcisions, with complications including infection, gangrene, and autoamputation.

The Board however ruled that the website was "scientific with great educative value," addressing a "societal problem needing urgent intervention.