Procurement of circumcision devices in KZN under scrutiny
The department of health in KwaZulu- Natal has procured over 90 000 circumcision devices despite a court challenge.
According to an article by Groundup, the tender is being challenged in court by CircumQ’s competitor, Unicirc, which alleges the devices are unproven and unsafe.
KwaZulu-Natal health department spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said the specifications for the tender were done at national level.
“The 96,489 CircumQ devices ordered by KZN Health are budgeted for in the 2025/26 budget to supply and deliver the devices for training and performance of medical male circumcisions,” said Maphisa.
Meanwhile, at least 48 deaths of initiates were recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season nationwide. The Eastern Cape and Free State recorded the highest number of deaths. The deaths are a result of dehydration, infections and assaults
The department reported a high volume of late pre-screenings in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo District Municipalities. Nyandeni Local Municipality has been identified as a key area of concern.
“All identified districts will continue intensified monitoring until the end of January 2026, with provincial departments and municipalities providing additional resources. Rescue interventions will be implemented where illegal initiation schools are detected, and the Provincial Initiation Forum has committed to closing such schools and accommodating rescued initiates at designated rescue centres,” the department said.
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