As lovers celebrate Valentine’s Day across the country, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has turned the tables on ALL men, saying that they have as much responsibility as their female partners to avoid unwanted pregnancies and ensure that every baby that is brought into the world is planned for.

The MEC was addressing students at Amajuba TVET College in Newcastle today, to promote the use of condoms and female contraceptives, as well as create awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and cervical cancer - which are two of the top 5 deadliest cancers.

"A lot of women struggle to convince their partners to use a condom because, quite often, the female has to say to her partner, ‘Look, we have not tested… look, I don’t want to fall pregnant, use a condom. “Therefore, we want to ask men to be responsible.”

He urged men to get medically circumcised, use a condom during every sexual episode and also encourage their partners to use contraceptives, which are available free of charge of public health institutions

The MEC cited the shock discovery of a newborn baby inside a storm water drain in Newlands East earlier this week as the possible result of a man’s unwillingness to use protection during sex – forcing his partner to do the unthinkable.

The MEC cited the shock discovery of a newborn baby inside a storm water drain in Newlands East earlier this week as the possible result of a man’s unwillingness to use protection during sex – forcing his partner to do the unthinkable.

The MEC said he was thankful for the opportunity to impart health education to young people so that they internalise and growing up knowing important messages about the prevention and early treatment of cervical and breast cancer

He urged women over 30 years of age to undergo a pap smear, and those even younger to get into the habit of inspecting their breasts for abnormal lumps – and seek urgent medical attention when they discover them