Simphiwe Shembe Tackles Circumcision In SA Today: Calls On Men to Talk
Simphiwe Shembe Tackles Circumcision In SA Today: Calls On Men to Talk. Simphiwe Shembe (38), a descendant of the prophet Isaiah Shembe, has begun openly discussing male circumcision. The popular comedian, artist, author and motivational presenter, wants men to join in the conversation. Shembe is vocal about his own journey towards deciding to medically circumcise aged 29.
Shembe is supporting health non-profit Right to Care’s circumcision drive as a key component of South Africa’s HIV prevention programme. The campaign is entitled ukuSoka (translation: circumcision) with Simphiwe Shembe. Medical male circumcision is proven to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- What motivated you to speak openly about male circumcision?
Both the younger and older generation tend to listen when I speak, whether I am telling them jokes or reciting my life changing book of quotes. I was excited when the opportunity arose to change lives and encourage others to live a healthier and safer lifestyle. I was a good match with Right to Care which offers the country’s largest and most successful circumcision programme because it fits perfectly with what I do, which is changing lives for the better.
2. How does your background as a descendant of Isaiah Shembe influence your views on this topic?
My great grandfather was a champion when it came to preserving our old ways. Some of his teachings were based on the old testament, and as you might know that they do touch on circumcision. I believe in what he stood for and I don’t see myself challenging his greatness in anyway.
3. What challenges do you face when discussing a taboo subject like circumcision in South Africa?
For some reason, the younger generation are not as scared as my generation is to discuss circumcision. They have a concern about where their foreskin goes but even my generation slowly opens up to the conversation because of the humour in my approach.
4. Why do you describe yourself as a ‘late adopter’ of medical circumcision?
In my village where I grew up, circumcision was not discussed neither in church and not in public. I only learned about it when I moved to Durban in 2004, but still didn’t even consider it because of the myths in my head about it.
5. What personal experiences do you share regarding your decision to circumcise at age 29?
The best one is that in my view sex is definitely better with your partner, and I haven’t needed to the doctor because of any sexually transmitted infections.
6. How do you aim to change perceptions around male circumcision in your community?
I am doing this by using comedy, funny skits, art at the beach, cartoons but also funnily enough everywhere I go, people seem to be aware of my transition from being a comedian, to being an author and now a personality that promotes safe sex with your partner.
7. What are the potential health benefits of circumcision that he highlights in his discussions?
My favourite one is that by being circumcised you can protect your partner from STIs. You likely don’t know for instance about HPV, which is a common STI that causes cervical cancer. By circumcising you can even protect your partner from cervical cancer and the most important reason to circumcise is that studies show that circumcision reduces your chance of getting HIV during sex by as much as 60%.
8. How has the public reacted to your openness about this topic?
They first laugh until they hear the reality and then they become more comfortable.
9. In what ways do you encourage men to participate in the conversation about circumcision?
I am using social media posts, I have created quotes that will be on t-shirts, am doing school visits, developing funny skits with influencers and am raising the issue via the media.
10. How do you address cultural and religious beliefs surrounding circumcision?
Culturally I let them know that its not wrong but circumcision was put on hold because of wars in the past, and religiously there haven’t been any issues against it because actually both culture and religion encourage cleanliness. Now there are documented medical benefits as well.
11. What resources or support do you provide for men considering circumcision!
You can find out more, find your nearest clinic for free circumcision and ask questions at +27 82 808 6152 – send a ‘please call me’ if easier. You can also check out Right to Care on Facebook. We also give out brochures and t-shirts.
12. How do you envision the future of discussions about male circumcision in South Africa?
It’s looking very bright thanks to the power of social media. It’s not as hard as it used to be to change people’s minds.
