Pretoria - Sexual and reproductive health took centre stage on Monday as Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini called for debate on improved family planning.
"We must try and exercise this right and discuss these issues with young people. We will upscale our campaign [reproductive health] and the starting point is abstaining," Dlamini said.
While commending social networks, Dlamini, however, warned that there are predators who misuse them and give the wrong information to young people. The minister challenged parents to play their role by talking to their children regarding such issues.
"We were able to stand up to peer pressure due to the role of parents. They must also take responsibility instead of relying on government."
Addressing a two-day seminar, which coincided with World Population Day on Monday, Dlamini noted that South Africa had experienced a decline in fertility due to improved access to primary health facilities as well as strengthened sexual and reproductive health rights, especially for women.
She noted that this has been complemented by the decline in mortality, set off especially by increased access and effective management of HIV and Aids.
Dlamini further noted that it was only when women have fewer children than before the demographic transition that they are able to take jobs outside of the home. In addition, women tend to be better educated and more productive in the labour force.
"Their participation in the labour force, in turn, enhances their social status, decision making in matters such as family planning and personal independence. Family income can be focused more upon better food for infants, including girls, and their income can also go towards prolonged education for girls and teenagers of both sexes, to improve their life prospects," Dlamini said.
Turning to the youth, Dlamini said Population Day should not be about an event but the focus should be on young people, adding that as from next year, the department will give prominence to population development and engage youth.
Dr Eddie Mhlanga, Cluster Manager at the Department of Health, noted that sexual and reproductive needs of younger adolescents are not being addressed.
"Sex is at the forefront but as parents we shy away from discussing those issues. We need to strengthen sexual reproductive health education in schools. Prevention of sexually transmitted conditions, prevention of abuse and traditional rites and ritual through male circumcision," Mhlanga said.
United Nations resident representative, Dr Augostinho Zacarius, stressed the need to support youth initiatives.
"The youth is facing a number of challenges including teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV and Aids and crime... They are counting on us to lead the way and we need to be clear in thinking and planning, otherwise there would be no development if we leave young people behind," said Zacarius.
Echoing Zacarius's sentiments, Mark Schreiner, who is the officer in charge at the United Nations Population Fund, said investing in young people is a smart decision the country could make and called on youth serving organisations to take advantage of the opportunities that exists and educate themselves as tomorrow's leaders.
World Population Day was commemorated under the theme 'Seven Billion People Counting Each Other', which calls for action and an opportunity to engage with people about what it means to live in today's world.
It is expected that the world population will reach seven billion by October this year.
