THE peer pressure of engaging in sexual activities at a young age, drugs and alcohol abuse have negative effects on the behaviour of children.
This message came from guest speakers who shared the podium at a function to hand over shoes and socks to needy children at the Tongaat Town Hall on August 11.
Nonhlanhla Masondo from the national Department of Health condemned engaging in sexual activities at an early age due to peer pressure. She cautioned pupils about STD’s that are “becoming a major concern in South African communities”.
“We encourage pupils to visit clinics and seek professional advice and avoid being infected with diseases such as HIV. Education must always be a priority for pupils.”
Masondo also told pupils who may have been sexually abused to report the matter to healthcare professionals.
Officials from the office of national ANC office and the Tongaat Parliamentary Constituency office handed over shoes and socks to needy Trubel Primary and Nkosibomvu Secondary school pupils.
The project was in line with projects under the Tongaat constituency office to accelerate development in disadvantaged communities.
A representative from the deputy minister of health, Joseph Phaahla’s office, Cawekazi Gcasamba, said the mandate of the parliamentary offices is to make development accessible to communities through its projects.
“Joseph Phaahla’s office decided to give 24 pairs of shoes and socks to needy children from the two Tongaat schools.”
Ward councillor Zanele Khumalo thanked the constituency office and Phaahla’s office for giving back to the community.
At the function, Khumalo told the Weekly: “I would like to thank the ANC constituency office under the leadership of Joe Phaahla for such a generous gesture of giving our children shoes.
“I wish such initiatives can continue in our communities so that children feel motivated to learn. We thank the leadership of President Jacob Zuma for bringing such projects to our people.”
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