Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, the Gauteng Health MEC, has urged young people to postpone s3xual intercourse, emphasizing the need of early s3x education for both male and female students
This comes after the Department of Health announced an increase in pregnancies among females aged 10 to 19. Mokgethi spoke to young people from various schools at a recent student fertility conference held at the South Rand Hospital.
“Delayed gratification does not mean denial. But first things first, your education must come first,” Mokgethi told the learners in uniform, adding that early s3x could cost them their physical, emotional and long-term health.
The MEC, who is a healthworker by profession, said engaging in s3x at a premature age had possible dire consequences for young people.
“Engaging in s3xual activity at a young age can have severe consequences, both physically and emotionally, including socially and economically.
“It can lead to unplanned pregnancies, s3xually transmitted infections, and disrupt your education.
“Therefore, you must understand the risks involved and make informed decisions about your bodies and ultimately your futures,” said Mokgethi.
The Department of Health is actively educating schools and communities on s3xuality and reproduction. Young people are encouraged to visit youth service centers, which include child health counseling, vaccines, and psychological therapy, among other things.
Teachers from the city’s schools also expressed gratitude to teachers for the programme.
“These centres provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), birth control pills, morning-after pills and psychological services to young people so they can make informed decisions,” said Nthabiseng Motshegwa from the Johannesburg District Health Services.
