13 December 2023

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has cautioned young people against partying too hard and going overboard, in the name of "Sidl'ubusha bethu (We're 'eating' our youth)" during the festive season.

"Young people tend to believe that this is the time to 'make the most' of their youth. When you try to caution them, some of them turn around and say, 'We were not there during your own youth.' So, we have to persevere and talk to young people and say, 'Yes, December is a pleasant time. A time to have fun. But you should guard yourself while having fun. Otherwise, you might become overwhelmed by situations, and end up with an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually-transmitted infection, including HIV. So, it’s important not to go overboard."

MEC Simelane was speaking during an "Isibhedlela Kubantu" (Healthcare Services to the People) community outreach programme at Hlathikhulu, near Wembezi, under uThukela District yesterday.

The programme unfolded amid emotion-filled scenes, with MEC Simelane announcing that a brand new house was being built for a local woman Ms Nqobile Ndlela, who has been living in abject poverty, in a dilapidated two-room mud structure, with her partner and four children.

After being informed about the woman's plight by local ANC leaders, MEC Simelane visited the home last week, where she also found out that one of the children was not receiving a child support grand due to missing birth certification documents. She intervened immediately.

And yesterday, the MEC presented an over-joyed Ms Ndlela with documents that will enable her to receive the grant.

Addressing a tent full of members of the local community, MEC Simelane announced that an alternative site, building materials, and builders had been secured for construction of the new house, all of which was met by applause.

MEC Simelane said the ANC-led Government would never tire of addressing the needs of impoverished people as a matter of priority.

She then urged all young people to safeguard themselves by taking advantage of the healthcare services that Government makes available to them.

The MEC said experience had shown that, due to the higher incidence of unprotected sex during the December holidays, September was usually the busiest time of the year in hospital maternity wards - and this needed to change.

"As a result, many people end up with babies they had not planned for, who get given names like "Khisimusi." (Christmas) Therefore, we must look after ourselves. If you over-drink, you might wake up from a bed that you don't know, with serious, life-changing consequences."

According to Section 27 of Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution, "Everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare; sufficient food and water; and social security, including appropriate social assistance if they are unable to support themselves and their dependents."

MEC Simelane said: "We are pleading with young people. It is important for them to utilise services from the Department. We have both male and female condoms, as well as contraceptives. We have a basket full of everything that young people might need in order to make themselves safe during the festive season and beyond.

"Those who've not started engaging in sex, those who are not ready, we encourage them to stay put. Just wait. Take your time. And this applies to both boys and girls. There's no STI or pregnancy that will get into your body while you're just sitting at home."

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health