The Constitution and the Children's Act clearly and correctly recognise the right to practise religious and cultural practices such as circumcisions. However, the difficulty with recognising this right is that little has been done by the health and traditional affairs authorities at the national level to regulate the practice and to protect young boys from harm. Literature in the medical fraternity supporting male circumcision diverges on the issues of what is medically appropriate for boys to curb the transmission of HIV and the human rights of circumcised boys. It is hoped that the best interests of young boys and initiates who are to be circumcised are remembered and protected.