Kealeboga Bushman, 22, a student of Logistics & Supply Chain Management at University of Botswana, lives in the outskirt of the capital city in a village called Lesirane. During his leisure time Kealeboga enjoys listening to music, partying and playing football.

Kealeboga enjoys the company of his uncircumcised friends who never discuss circumcision because they do not realise its relevance in their lives. “My friends and I are reluctant to circumcise because of the misconceptions surrounding male circumcision we hear from people. I first heard messages on circumcision when I was doing form 1 through SMC demand creation personnel who came to our school but never took heed to the messages, as I felt it did not concern me. The message grew louder when I was at senior school as Vee (former SMC ambassador) addressed our school but I was stillunconvinced. The misconceptions catalyzed fear and I kept wondering, what if the procedure is not done well or something goes wrong. You have to understand that this procedure is done on the most sensitive and precious part of my body, this is my life, my family, should anything go wrong, heish!” He expressed shaking his head.

“Despite all circumcision benefits shared, the message never hit home because I was not sexually active hence I saw no need to do the procedure. Yes, hygiene wise I understood but other benefits did not add much value to me. My mother also tried her best to reach out to me and encourage me to circumcise but I rmained unmoved due to the lingering misconceptions I heard.

Deep in thought one of the days, wondering what future awaits me after acquiring my degree this May, My dream to enroll as an Officer Cadet in the army remained alive. This has always been my wish, the dream was nearing realization because I was about to complete my studies. This dream became the game changer which led me to circumcise. I had heard that they highly encourage and recommend men to be circumcised in the army. On the 8th of January 2018 I bit the bullet and made my way to the hospital to circumcise.

Waking up that fateful morning I did not inform anyone at home that I was going to circumcise I just left without saying a word. My first stop was Lesirane clinic since I was not aware of any sites where circumcision is offered. When I told them of my desire they referred me to Nkoyaphiri clinic where the procedure was performed. Though the sight of the equipmt used such as scissors and needles gave me some fright but I went ahead with it. Due to the anesthetic injection administered before the doctor began the procedure, I did not feel any pain until the procedure was completed. I must admit that the first 3 days after circumcising it was a bit painful but painkillers were there to help suppress the pain and from there the pain was bearable as I followed the wound care advice appropriately.

During the healing process I was just curious to see how the whole thing will look like and all I can say is that I’m happy and satisfied with the service I got. I am indeed proudly circumcised and I am on my last week of the six weeks recommended for complete healing. My advice to my peers is that they should consider circumcising because it’s nothing to fear. Yes the first three days maybe a bit painful but after that all will be fine, trust me six weeks is nothing. The myths and misconceptions are not facts because the procedure is just fine