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Dialogue on Teenage Pregnancy, Drugs and Prostitution.

Mdunge Skhumbuzo

The consulate general of India in Durban together with K CAP hosted a panel discussion on Themba Dlamuka's book titled "Playing with Love in The Lion's Cage". The event was on Friday, 20 September at Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre to discuss teenage pregnancy, drugs, prostitution, HIV and AIDS.

The panel consisted of Mr. Anish Rajan (Consul General of India in Durban), Ms. Gloria Khumalo (Indigenous knowledge Practitioner), Ms. Thanda Owalebi (The Health Practitioner) and Ms. Reshma Badal (The Community Health Activist). The discussion was moderated by Advocate Robin Sewlal (lecture at Durban University of Technology).

Dlamuka began writing his book in 2010 after realizing the need for HIV & AIDS awareness. According to Dlamuka, he decided to write because almost every weekend there were 2 or 3 funerals of young people who died because of HIV & AIDS around Eshowe where he lives.

 "The book talks about love between the young couple. The illusion, you may think of is a couple of creatures playing in the bush not aware that there are lions who might ambush them. The lion, in this case, refers to HIV & AIDS," Dlamuka said.  "Previously there were many people who get affected by HIV because there was no treatment. The main cause of HIV is unsafe sex, poverty, and unemployment. However, this book talks about this Tri- Cause Effect and it is easy to read and understandable" Dlamuka continues.

'There are young people who end up in prostitution to support their families," Dr. Badal said. Thanda Owalebi also added that at KwaMashu clinic they have a platform called youth zone that allows young people to come and talk about issues that affect them.
   
 Mr. Arish Rajan said "I think we need to educate our society about these issues and shift the narrative through various forms of communication. Books, plays and social media are various platforms that we can use to convey the information,". He encouraged young people who perform on stage to turn the book into a stage play. Artists under the KwaMashu Community Advancement Project (K CAP) provided entertainment in the form of dance, music and stage plays. 


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