Tsakane – The Tsakane Main Clinic hosted an open day to encourage young people to use its health services available to them on Friday.
Clinic manager George Thamae said research showed that youth and adolescents faced greater challenges in accessing public health services compared to other sectors of the community.
“Some young people are uncomfortable coming to the clinic because they think staff will scold them or they’ll be harshly judged when asking about sexual health matters,” he said.
“Our job is not to act like your parents when you come to the clinic. You can be honest about matters concerning your health, and we must attend to them accordingly.”
Thamae also encouraged other marginalised groups to access the clinic’s services. Learners from the Tsakane and Mbongeni Mgududu secondary schools were invited as special guests.
Sister Lerato Lebepe of the Adolescence Youth-Friendly Services.
Sister Tiisetso Madikane said that the clinic offers primary healthcare services, including family planning, mother and child healthcare, a chronic stream for HIV, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as acute services, Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:30.
“I hope to see more of you take use these services in the future. We want to help protect you and your future,” she said.
Sister Lerato Lebepe, the head of the Adolescence Youth-Friendly Services (AYFS), said young people had been allocated dedicated service times daily from 14:00 to 16:00.
“I know many have reasons to avoid coming to the clinic, but we are here to serve you. These services are for you, and we wait for you to come each day,” she said.
Lebepe said the AYFS provided HIV counselling and testing, family planning services, pregnancy support, TB treatment and ARV dispensing for young people.
She also highlighted the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis, taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection, as well as post-exposure prophylaxis, an emergency course of antiretroviral medication taken after potential exposure to HIV.
Lindokuhle Mbali, a social mobiliser for the Soul City Institute, shared her experience as a teen mother.
Sister Tiisetso Madikane at the Tsakane Main Clinic open day.
“I found out I was pregnant in Grade 11. It was not easy to balance schoolwork while being pregnant, but I kept reminding myself that I was not doing this just for me, but for my child to have a better future,” she said.
Mbali encouraged young people not to give in to pressure and to remain focused on their goals. Recovering addict Mcedisi Madipi told learners that actions have consequences.
“When you are young, you may think you can do certain things for fun, but your actions have lasting effects. I am fortunate that I was treated for my addiction, but I lost a lot, including my dream of becoming a professional soccer player,” he said.
After being clean for almost five years, Madipi said he hoped to be a beacon of change in the community. The Second Chance Care and Recovery Centre on 10890 Zulu Street, opposite the Tsakani Community Hall, offers support to those struggling with addiction.
LGBTQIA+ activist Ntsupe Mohapi, the director of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee, thanked the clinic for creating a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Learners also presented research on teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health.
Learners present their findings on teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health.
Learners present their findings on teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health.
ALSO CHECK: SANCO Ward 85’s Back-to-School Campaign boosts learner confidence in Tsakani
ALSO CHECK: Kwa-Thema make-up artist Basetsana Moabelo launches classes to help residents gain income skills
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!