The Department of Health (SA) has launched flavoured condoms to higher education and training sector in March this year.

These condoms are being distributed in Strawberry, banana, chocolate and vanilla flavour, instead of the ordinary beige Choice condoms that have been distributed over the years.

According to the department, this development is to promote the use of condoms, by making them more exciting to use, hoping to encourage the youth to practice safe sex.

Now, the question in many people’s minds is, “Is this expenditure worth it? Are more young people practising safe sex because of this initiative?

Mpumalanga News spoke to a few local people in a bid to attempt and answer the big question.

Several youngsters are of the idea that the initiative has proved to be loaded with advantages and have indeed encouraged them to practice safer sex.

However, a few think that the flavoured condoms will only increase curiosity to have sex for those who are not yet sexually active.

“Ordinary condoms have a nasty smell but the new flavoured ones smell good and make the whole experience more pleasurable,” said Ms Thoko Lekhuleni, a 24-year-old from Pienaar.

Mr Sam Khozeni from Msogwaba opined that the condoms encourage play and more play.

“Young people love exploring and these condoms cause them to want to have sex just to have a feel of the fun of exploring how flavoured condoms feel like,” said Khozeni.