ANC party centenary condoms filled with ‘pricks’
2012-01-29 10:00
The ANC’s big centenary bash in Bloemfontein a few weeks ago could spring a few surprises nine months from now.
Thousands of boxes of Choice government condoms meant for party-goers and delivered to guesthouses, hotels and bars and restaurants turned out to be porous.
This meant these revolutionary rubbers – which all bore the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) stamp – would either leak or burst when used, which could result in pregnancy or the transmission of diseases like HIV/Aids.
The Free State health department has confirmed that it would be recalling the batch of more than a million condoms, delivered at the start of the weekend’s celebrations on January 6.
Significantly more condoms than usual were ordered for the more than 100 000 party faithfuls, some of them jokingly dubbed “pantypreneurs” because they came to the city mainly to enjoy themselves at one of the many late-night joints and to chat up women.
Although the condoms still had to be subjected to laboratory tests, the department decided to be pro-active and withdraw the condoms, Free State health spokesperson Jabu Mbalula said.
The problem was discovered after members of the public complained to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in the province.
“People would claim that the condoms burst. When we investigated the complaints it turned out the condoms are porous,” said Sello Mokhalipi, who works for the TAC and Free State HIV/Aids.
He added they were very concerned about the situation.
Mokhalipi said the department ordered 8 700 boxes of the condoms that turned out to be faulty.
Mbalula said they were ordered in the same way as before – from the national department.
Mbalula added that the just over 1.35 million condoms came with a quality assurance certificate from the SABS.
The department is investigating how these condoms got SABS approved.
“There is no reason for people to panic,” Mbalula said.
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