By Mahlasinyane Motsoeneng
QWAQWA – Eric Motholo, a youth development officer from the Thabo Mofutsanyana district working with LoveLife, has raised concerns over a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people. This increase, he says, has coincided with the introduction of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication designed to prevent HIV infection.
Speaking during the country’s recent Condom Awareness Week, a campaign promoting safe sex under the theme “Protect Yourself, Protect Others; Enjoy Safe Sex with Condoms”, Motholo noted that while PrEP has been effective in reducing new HIV infections, it has also led to a worrying trend. Many young people who take PrEP are now neglecting condom use, exposing themselves to other STIs.
“What’s most concerning is that older teenagers and young adults are engaging in unprotected sex at alarming rates instead of waiting until they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with sexual activity,” Motholo said.
He attributes this trend to several factors, including a lack of structured activities for youth after school, limited opportunities to develop their talents, and inadequate community programs to keep them engaged.
This is not just a problem for government agencies or NGOs; it is a societal issue that requires collective action. LoveLife, is committed to ensuring that young people receive accurate information about safe sex and the importance of condoms.
Condom Use and Youth Attitudes Toward Safe Sex
Despite government efforts to make condoms widely available, not only in clinics but also in entertainment venues, many young people remain resistant to using them. LoveLife continues to conduct outreach programs in high schools and tertiary institutions, providing sex education and encouraging responsible behaviour.
Ironically, Motholo notes, the more young people learn about sex, the more some seem eager to experiment. “We often find that despite being well-informed, many of them still take risks. One of the common misconceptions we hear is that condoms reduce pleasure, which discourages their use,” he explained.
Mzwakhe Zwane, an 18-year-old student at the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa campus, says he has consistently used condoms since becoming sexually active last year. However, he acknowledges that among his peers, some believe that using condoms implies distrust between partners.
“My girlfriend is back home in KwaZulu-Natal, and I will only see her during the holidays. But I always use protection, no matter what,” Zwane said.
Meanwhile, Sipho Tshabalala (26), Lehana Mokokodisane (29), and Moratei Thabang, who are all unmarried, admit they only use condoms when entering new relationships. They believe once a relationship becomes serious, condom use is no longer necessary.
Others, like Palesa Mosia (33), Smangele Ngcongwane (27), Thapelo (35), and Ngaka Mokoena (36), confess they find condom use uncomfortable, despite understanding the risks of unprotected sex. Some cite irritation or discomfort, while others argue that condoms diminish intimacy.
The PrEP Dilemma: A Double-Edged Sword?
The rising STI rates linked to PrEP use highlight a complex public health challenge. While PrEP has revolutionized HIV prevention by allowing individuals to protect themselves from the virus without relying on their partners’ choices, its unintended consequence has been a decline in condom use. This has led to increased rates of infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, which condoms could have helped prevent.
Sexual health experts argue that comprehensive education campaigns should emphasize that PrEP does not protect against STIs other than HIV. They also stress the importance of continued condom promotion alongside PrEP to ensure that young people make informed choices about their sexual health.
As South Africa continues its battle against HIV and other STIs, the challenge remains: How can health authorities encourage young people to take full responsibility for their sexual well-being? The answer, experts say, lies in education, accessibility, and shifting societal attitudes toward safer sex practices.
