University Male Students’ Perceptions on the Cultural Relevance of Traditional Circumcision among the amaXhosa in East London, South Africa

Male circumcision is an age-old practice known to many cultures of the world. In South Africa, particularly among the amaXhosa, male circumcision is practised as a rite of passage to manhood, generally by boys aged 18 to 26. This study investigated perceptions of nine traditionally circumcised Xhosa male university students on their view on the relevance of traditional circumcision in face of calls for its abolition. Open-ended individual interviews were conducted among psychology university students after introduction to psychology tutorial sessions in the Department of Psychology. Respondents in this study reported that the ritual is still very relevant, however there is a need for the restoration of the cultural dignity of male circumcision among the amaXhosa.