Speaking in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon, deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa introduced a new range of government-sponsored condoms. Responding to popular demand, it’s larger (obvs), fruity flavoured (yum?) and noiseless (we don’t know either). Spare a thought for the almost-Tshwane mayor MP Thoko Didiza who appeared rather awkward during the deputy president’s endorsement of the new condom.
Fun fact: The South African government distributes over half a billion condoms per year, but research shows only 36% of people actually use condoms.
But guys, what is this noise the other government condom makes?
— Lester Kiewit (@lesterkk) September 1, 2016
UDM’s Filtane asks the Dep Pres, “who cares about noise during that time?”
— Lester Kiewit (@lesterkk) September 1, 2016
The new condom is actually a project of the National Department of Health and was formally launched earlier this year, but have been available at tertiary institutions and medical facilities since last year. The deputy president said the new condom was launched in response to research done on the government’s Choice-branded condoms.Â
Speaking to Cape Talk, Director at the Society for Family Health, Miriam Mhazo said that social perceptions around the Choice condoms were mixed, with many members of the public dissatisfied with the government-issued brand.
According to some research,  South Africans were displeased with the scent of Choice condoms and its branding. “It lacked the status… If you’re having a partner you wanted to impress, Choice was not the condom to take out of your pocket,” Mhazo said to Cape Talk.Â
Interesting that they are able to deliver flavored condoms but not free sanitary pads. Priorities on point there gov https://t.co/dD8O7a670O
— Remember Marikana (@Mfondiny) September 1, 2016
Who says @MYANC does not address the hard issues? https://t.co/28iCGBt5du
— daniel gallan (@danielgallan) September 1, 2016
Thanks for that. But when are we getting free pads, for maximum dignity? https://t.co/niyNFmo8Vp
— Aaisha Dadi Patel (@aaishadadipatel) September 1, 2016
Deputy President of South Africa announcing government’s new grape and apple flavored condoms, also makes no noise! https://t.co/BGoXPfl0m4
— IstanforCaster (@jacquirainers) September 1, 2016
My favourite tv show #parliament ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜…😅😅😂😂 https://t.co/dCiwWoG6G3
— West (@MawelelaMolekwa) September 1, 2016