CONDOMS IN HIGH SCHOOLS: THE DEBATE RAGES ON

Since 2011, the debate over the introduction of condoms in high schools has been raging. Recently the Minister of Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora emphasised that his ministry was unlikely to sanction moves towards introducing such contraceptive in schools as this would compromise the country’s dignity. While the minister’s view is unquestionable, it is prudent that a lot more thought be invested in this matter as it is not simply about loss of dignity, but loss of lives with learners remaining exposed to the risk of contracting Sexually transmitted diseases and even the dreaded HIV virus. 

The controversy surrounding the distribution of condoms in high schools in and around Zimbabwe continues.

Condoms in High Schools?

There is a general consensus amongst various stakeholders, apart from the advocates of this move, that making condoms available to teenagers deviates from our societal norms and values and will promote sexual immorality. 

In fact, the idea of teenagers having sex with each other at school remains unthinkable for many of us as we do not expect high school kids to be involved with each other at such a tender age.

However, since all this is happening, there must be moves to alleviate the potential crisis that is looming if these children are not helped.

Teenagers are already indulging in sex as witnessed by the very sharp increase in teenage pregnancies over the past five years. As a result of pregnancies, many drop out of school, some succumb to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) especially HIV and are many are left exposed to a dire future. 

As a result, providing them with condoms may give them a better chance of protecting themselves against unplanned pregnancies, STI’s and also a life full of challenges.

Despite a new regulation which replaced automatic expulsion of students who fell pregnant during the course of their studies with three months maternity leave, most girls drop out of school to seek employment instead of going back to finish their studies.

Advocating for the distribution of condoms is not meant to promote immorality or give teenagers a license to have sex whenever they deem necessary, but it is meant to promote safe sexual conduct amongst those who are already sexually active.

As uncomfortable as it may be to most, there is a need to teach teenagers about condomising as a possible measure of curbing HIV/AIDS infections and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Zimbabweans value their cultural values and beliefs and will do whatever it takes to protect their dignity. But these are not as important as the lives of teenagers who are pretty much still dictated by their ever changing hormones.

The act of distributing condoms is however not enough.This action should be accompanied by sex education where pupils are taught how to correctly and effectively use condoms so that they are 100% effective. The usefulness of peer educators should be put into practice for effective communication on sexual health.

Parents must spearhead sex education at home and must teach their children about the dangers of premature sex as well as unplanned pregnancies. It is only but natural that most parents are against the distribution of condoms to their teenage sons and daughters because sex is one topic that parents don’t openly talk about, often referring them to an aunt or uncle to address the issue.

 Parents need to take cognisance of the fact that culture is dynamic and that there is nothing amiss about talking about sex with their children without involving a third party. Teaching children about safe sex and condomising will go a long way in effecting behavioural change amongst teenagers.

The Ministry of education should not turn a blind eye to this problem, hoping that one day it will miraculously disappear on its own. Denying sexually active teenagers condoms won’t stop them from indulging in sex, but will result in high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, an increase in unplanned pregnancies and an increase in backyard abortions.

The responsible stakeholders should push for the introduction of a legal framework that supports the distribution of condoms in high schools because teenagers are at the highest risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Legislators must enact policies based on the reality on the ground, not on their moral values and belief. Let the parents and the church preach morality, not politicians because politics and morals are like water and oil. They never mix. There is nothing to lose by distributing contraception to these children.

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He describes himself as writer, a poet, a researcher and a social scientist. No wonder Mbongeni Nyadza, a 3rd year student studying for a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Social Work at the University of Botswana, is a man of many talents.

He writes short stories, and poems that “give a voice to the voiceless and the under privileged in society.”


Born and bred in the city of Kings and Queens and raised in the  dusty streets of Nkulumane11, the 23 year old started writing in 2009 as a hobby after he finished his Ordinary Level studies at St Columbus High School in Makokoba.

However, he started writing seriously after he saw Zakes Mda’s interview about his book “Ways To Dying” on Sabc and after constantly being exposed to Christopher Mlalazi’s column “On the Lighter Side” on the Sunday News.

 Zakes Mda, born Zanemvula Kizito Gatyeni Mda, is a South African novelist, poet and playwright. He has won major South African and British literally awards  for his novels and plays. He is currently a Patron of the Etisalat Prize for Literature.

He is also inspired by other local artistes such as Raisedon Baya, Elizabeth Tshele and Musaemura Zimunya

“It was after this exposure that I realised that writing can change people’s lives and that it is a universal tool that most people can relate to. My passion for writing then grew, he said.

Mbongeni Nyadza- pic by Shamiso

Since then, he has never looked back. He writes about everyday social issues that affect everyday people, about love, Africa, about the HIV/AIDS pandemic about abuse amongst others.

At the moment, he is working on an anthology titled “The Real Deal” which is divided into four sections. This collection consists of sixty poems altogether.

“The compilation is on its final stages of production. It should be finished around mid April. The collection will be first launched here in Botswana because that’s where I am based at the moment. I’ll then launch the book at home later on.”

He however, could not disclose whether the anthology will be immediately available in hardcopy in bookstores or online “as it was still on its planning stages.”

Chief, as he is affectionately known by his friends, shares his poems on a website called vinelypress. He also shares his work with a website called the writer gallery, numerous Facebook pages and groups such as Poetry South Africa, Street Poetry (death of a sonnet), African Authors and Poets Community corner and Poetry BW.

He said in five years, he sees himself “as having grown as a poet, writer with his work touching  and changing a lot of  lives” and having done a collaboration book with some writers. Mbongeni also believes that all this will be possible since writing is a never ending school of knowledge.

Mbongeni has a vision of starting up a writing institution in Zimbabwe  someday. An arts institution where any inspiring writers,artists and poets can horn and  enhance their raw skills of writing and different arts forms.

Chief feels such an institution is lacking in the country as most writers, poets and artists are self taught and usually their potential suffers a glowing splint death due to its untapped potential. This, he says as a person who underwent the same challenges.