Share

Teen forcibly circumcised

A civil society organisation says it is to launch Equality Court proceedings on behalf of an Eastern Cape youth said to have been forcibly circumcised.

The Justice Alliance of SA (Jasa) said it had agreed to act free of charge for 19-year-old Bonani Yamani.

It claimed he was subjected to traditional circumcision in March this year (2007) after having himself circumcised at East London's Frere Hospital three months earlier.

"Bonani had made it clear that his conscience and religious beliefs did not allow him to undergo the traditional Xhosa rite," Jasa said in a statement.

Yamani is reportedly a devout Christian.

Both chiefs notified
Jasa said it had written in October this year to Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, head of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, and provincial leader of the Congress of SA Traditional Leaders Mwelo Nkonyana, asking for an apology to Yamani and an assurance that no one else would be subjected to circumcision against his will.

There had been no response.

"We have accordingly written again to both chiefs saying that we have no choice but to commence proceedings in the Equality Court on behalf of Bonani," Jasa said.

The Cape Town-based Jasa, which describes itself as "a coalition committed to the highest moral values in South African society", has previously been involved in anti-abortion lobbying. – (Sapa)

Read more:
Circumcision helps against HIV
Mass circumcision for SA?

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE