Brothers for Life, in partnership with Lifeline Limpopo, took their Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) campaign roadshows to Matswi village on Friday last week. Local DJs, poets, singers and dancers took to the stage to educate people about the benefits of MMC, show their support for the campaign, and persuade their community to join the movement to create an HIV-free generation.

“I just got circumcised and am happy that it changed my long held view that it’s so painful. It happened about 20 minutes ago and here I am talking about my experience”, one of the young men told the crowd. He had the MMC procedure at nearby Matswi clinic.

Lifeline Limpopo’s project manager and event organiser Agnes Mokoto was thrilled that the community of Matswi came in large numbers to learn about how they can prevent HIV and take responsibility of their own health and the loved ones.

“The high turn- out of the community of Matswi, especially women, is a testament that circumcision is not only for men but is for women too. Women are better placed to influence their partners and it couldn’t be better.”

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of a new MMC advert. Featuring the beloved Nomsa Buthelezi and up- and-coming actors Innocent Sadiki and Thando Mncube, the ad shows that circumcision is not only healthier, it is sexier, too, and can bring a little ‘Zing’ into your love life. The crowd loved it, with young women shouting that men should get a ZING – a word that is fast becoming a rallying cry for women who prefer their men condomised and circumcised.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Department of Health, United States Agency for International Development, SANAC men’s sector, Brothers for Life and other civil society partners. ( this is less interesting to the readers so should go at the bottom)

For more information on medical male circumcision campaign visit www.brothersforlife.org or Dial *120*662#. Get a little ZING in your life, too.