*Caption: A panel organised by the Gauteng Aids Council to talk about sex in Gauteng.

Written by: Menelisi Ndwandwe

The MEC of Health in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, has urged South Africans to speak about sex more often, as she was speaking at the International Aids Conference in Durban.

Mahlangu who was part of the team that went to Melbourne in 2014, alluded to how they learned two years ago to create the conversation around sex.

“We want parents to have conversation with children, SA must be an open society,” said Mahlangu.

“We have to engage our children before they put themselves at risk,” she added.

Columnist Dr. Tlaleng, pleaded to the audience to be honest with themselves about sexual issues.

“We are having sex for pleasure, not HIV. But this is a reality. Let’s talk about that,” said Dr. Tlaleng.

Panelist, Brain Sedibe, told the audience that people are not using protection as they should be doing.

“We must be honest that if people were using condoms, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Sedibe.

“Don’t tell us how to have sex, tell us how we can have sex safe!” he added.

Naledi Sibeko, who was representing the LGBTI society, urged young people especial girls to have a relationship with their bodies.

“Young girls must own their sexuality, their pleasure and know that they have rights to their bodies.

Chief Director of HIV programs. Nomsa Mmopa praised the panel and the audience for the eye-opening session.

Mahlangu said that they are partnering with universities to ensure that young people are informed and engaged.

“It’s a high-risk group, they need to be looked after,” she said.

The conference will be closed by Minister of Health, Dr.Aaron Mostoaledi and the next edition will be in Amsterdam, Holland.

*Panellists surnames aren’t truth only names were provided by the Gauteng Department of Health. Surnames of the panellist are made up.