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Maidens compose circumcision song

27/08/2010 00:00:00 KWANELE DHLADHLA

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(Student Journalist)

MAFUTSENI- The maidens have joined the campaign to promote circumcision to the extent that they have compiled a song that illuminates on the initiative.

The traditional song was sung by the jovial Imbali as they marched towards Mpisi Farm where they are camping, after cutting the reed at around 1:45pm yesterday.

The song which goes "lamajaha akayi ngani kuyosoka, anekobho" which translates: the male youth are arrogant by not undergoing the circumcision process.

The composition of the song by the Imbali follows numerous reports and conflict of interests on the circumcision initiative, which is being pioneered by both non governmental organisations (NGO’s) and government as means to reduce the spread of HIV / AIDS in the country.

Other songs that were a hit among the maidens include ‘Somandla uyangena Lomphakatsi’ and ‘Shumi labompondo’.

As the reed dance progresses, the Imbali is expected to walk back to Ludzidzini Royal Residence to deliver the reed in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III on Sunday after resting tomorrow.

Princess Sikhanyiso looked beautiful at the reed cutting, as she donned a gold lihiya that was a perfect match with her sun-shades.

The Imbali were even overheard admiring her outfit and the fact that she was very outspoken.

As the forerunner and host along with the Imbali leader Nothando Nhlengetfwa, she also led in song as the thousands of maidens who were in a convivial mood sung along as they marched with visible vigour and strength.

True to the word of the Imbali leader who said that this year the event would be bigger and better, Imbali from as far as Finland also joined as throngs of maidens converged at Mafutseni to cut the reed.

Laura Tuomi, said the event was an unforgettable experience because she had experienced first hand why Swazis were united.

"This ceremony has a very uniting factor, you can talk to anyone and socialise as if you are longtime friends. I just love the ceremony, it is amazing and colourful," said Tuomi.

Comments

Circumcision is a dangerous distraction in the fight against AIDS. There are six African countries where men are *more* likely to be HIV+ if they've been circumcised: Cameroon, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, and Swaziland. Eg in Malawi, the HIV rate is 13.2% among circumcised men, but only 9.5% among intact men. In Swaziland, the HIV rate is 21.8% among circumcised men, but only 19.5% among intact men. If circumcision really worked against AIDS, this just wouldn't happen. We now have people calling circumcision a "vaccine" or "invisible condom", and viewing circumcision as an alternative to condoms. The South African National Communication Survey on HIV/AIDS, 2009 found that 15% of adults across age groups "believe that circumcised men do not need to use condoms". The one randomized controlled trial into male-to-female transmission showed a 54% higher rate in the group where the men had been circumcised btw. ABC (Abstinence, Being faithful, and especially Condoms) is the way forward. Promoting genital surgery will cost African lives, not save them.
Aug 27, 2010, 8:00 PM, Mark Lyndon (ABC, not circumcision)