By Bulelwa Hoala
- The Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging boys aged 10 and older, as well as men, to make use of free Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services available at public healthcare facilities across the province during the winter circumcision season.
- According to the department, VMMC is a safe procedure that forms part of South Africa’s HIV prevention strategy and can reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by about 60%, while also offering other health benefits.
- The department urged parents and guardians to ensure boys undergo the procedure in accredited medical facilities and reminded the public that VMMC does not replace safer sexual practices such as condom use and regular HIV testing.
The Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging boys and men to make use of free Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services available at public healthcare facilities across the province during the winter circumcision season.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 11 June 2026, the department urged parents, guardians, and eligible males to access the service at accredited public health facilities, where the procedure is performed by trained healthcare professionals.
According to the department, VMMC forms part of South Africa’s comprehensive HIV prevention strategy and contributes to improved health outcomes for boys and men.
The department said VMMC has been shown to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%.
“It is a safe surgical procedure that offers several health benefits, including improved penile hygiene and a reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and syphilis,” the department said.
It added that the procedure may also lower the risk of penile cancer.
Increased demand during winter
The department said demand for circumcision services typically increases during the winter school holiday period, when many families choose to schedule the procedure.
Parents and guardians were urged to ensure that boys undergo circumcision in safe medical environments where they can receive appropriate care before, during and after the procedure.
Who qualifies for the service?
Free VMMC services are available to boys and men aged 10 years and older at public healthcare facilities across Gauteng’s five districts: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng, and the West Rand.
To access the service, the following documents are required:
- For boys under the age of 18: A certified copy of the parent or legal guardian’s identity document, as well as signed consent from the parent or guardian.
- For men aged 18 and older: A certified copy of an identity document or birth certificate.
VMMC is not a substitute for safer sex
While VMMC offers significant protection against HIV and other infections, the department stressed that it does not provide complete protection.
The department encouraged individuals to continue practising safer sexual behaviours, including consistent and correct condom use, regular HIV testing and counselling, and making use of other HIV prevention measures.
READ NEXT: Ashwagandha: Benefits, side effects, and what experts want you to know
