The Gauteng Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi has urged young people to delaying having sexual intercourse, stressing the importance of early sex education among both boy and girl learners.
This comes after the Department of Health reported an increase in pregnancies among girls aged 10-19.
Mokgethi addressed young people from various schools at a student fertility conference held recently 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 sex could cost them their physical, emotional and long-term health.
The MEC, who is a healthworker by profession, said engaging in sex at a premature age had possible dire consequences for young people.
