GOGOS in Eastern Cape say they are in dire need of condoms – but not for sex.
They use them for their sore joints!
The gogos and madalas in Alice, Eastern Cape don’t fetch the condoms themselves from the clinics, but send their grandkids.
Khanyisa Papu, a security guard at War Memorial Clinic in Alice, said she is not happy with the young boys and girls who are sent to the clinic to collect condoms.
Khanyisa said the kids were between five and 10 years old.
“They will come here in groups and go for the condom box. They will take packets and packets of condoms and run off with them.
“The gogos and mkhulus say the condoms help ease their joint pains. They massage their joints with the condoms,” said Khanyisa.
Andiswa Nkosi, who was visiting the clinic at the time kids came in to collect condoms, expressed her disapproval of the practice.
“Some parents are so irresponsible,” Andiswa said.
Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesman Siyanda Manana said the department condemned the practice.
“There is no scientific proof to say that indeed, condoms help alleviate joint pains.
“We strongly discourage people from using condoms to treat their sore bodies.
“There are ointments and gels that are designed specifically for that. They can even get them at their local clinic.”
Manana said the recent roll- out of coloured and flavoured condoms in particular was very expensive.
“This is a lot of waste. Surely our people know better than this,” he said.
