South African's must change their sexual practices and accept responsibility to stop the spread of HIV, DA leader Hellen Zille said.
We must begin by challenging the pre-modern notion that unprotected sex with multiple, inter-generational concurrent sexual partners is a cultural right. It is not, Zille said in a statement.
Zille said these sexual practices wreak social devastation.
It drives the teenage pregnancy rate, entrenches poverty, spreads disease, destroys families, and produces unwanted and neglected children.
Attitude must change
It is this attitude that puts so many women and men at risk. It is this attitude that costs South Africa billions of rands each year. And it is this attitude that must change, she said.
The Democratic Alliance leader said South Africa should put more responsibility on individuals instead of focusing on condom distribution and free treatment.
I also believe it is fair to require everyone to take a regular HIV test and accept responsibility for preventing risk to others.
Zille said that those who fail to take on this responsibility should be prepared to face criminal charges.
(Sapa, November 2011)
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