By: Ayanda Dube and Lucky Khanyile

Students at the Durban University of Technology flocked at the Ritson campus on Thursday for the male circumcision campaign.

The campaign was launched by the HIV and AIDS Center in collaboration with DramAid, to get male students circumcised.

More than 3 000 students registered for circumcision but noticeably, less than 30 pitched.

HIV Counsellor at the university’s clinic, Zola Shezi, said that students must not be afraid as they get screened and tested before the procedure. The status doesn’t matter unlike if they go to mountains.

“We discourage students from (going to the) mountain for safety reasons.

We want to reach out to males who haven’t been circumcised. In fact we have a goal of getting all males who are not circumcised to get circumcised, in a safer way. We have well-trained and equipped
specialists that specialize in circumcision,” added Shezi.

Thobile Zulu, the manager at the HIV/AIDS Center at DUT, urged students to continue using protection even after circumcision.

“Circumcision is a proven method that reduces the risk of HIV infection, but that doesn’t mean that students should stop protecting themselves. We are promoting dual protection,” said Zulu.

A third year Language and Practice student, Mondli Mzulwini, said that having knowledge about circumcision is what triggered him to do it.

The 23-year-old was proud of getting circumcised.

“Encouragement comes from knowledge, from the knowledge I heard about what happens when you circumcise I say it’s the right thing that every man should do,” encouraged Mzulwini.

There were also stands for checking blood pressure and weight that were available to all students.

Students used the opportunity to check their weight and HIV statuses.

Lungile Ngcobo, a second year Cost and Management Accounting student, expressed her gratitude to the MMC. Ngcobo said that she was nervous of getting a blood test done but having this kind of an event encouraged her to test.

“There should be more events of this nature, creating awareness and helping us as students to live a healthy life,” said Ngcobo.

Zulu also stated that they would like for the event to take place yearly but lamented lack of sponsorship.

“The continuing of the event yearly will depend on funding so we urge sponsors to assist us,”
said Zulu.