LIVING THE LIFESTYLE: BUT KEEPING THINGS SAFE
A CONDOM CASE STORY

Thendo Thobakare is a 25-year-old who lives in Naledi with her mother and sister. Currently in her first year at UNISA, she is studying to become a teacher.

A dream chaser, Thendo is committed to protecting her future, and says in her community there is a high prevalence of pregnancy and STDs, especially among young people. She says young people cite not having condoms as the reason behind having unprotected sex, but having the Condom Case makes it easier for people to take it everywhere with them and be responsible when they are with a partner.

Thendo adds that lots of women leave it up to the man in the relationship to have condoms, but thinks it’s a power move for girls to take charge of the situation and actively participate in protecting their own health.

She says that the case is a great accessory and that, “As a young woman, I feel more comfortable having a Condom Case. It’s better than having condoms rolling around in my purse or cosmetics bag and possibly falling out by accident.”

Ofentse Molefe, also known as ‘DJ Gito’, is a 26-year-old DJ who also lives in Naledi. He shares that during the pandemic, gigs dried up, but now he is trying to revive his business and is busier than ever.

He says that the Condom Case, – a discreet little case – is ideal for someone with his lifestyle, “because when you’re on the move, it’s hard to carry and store condoms safely. If the condoms are in your pocket with keys and other things, they can get holes in them. Or they may fall out when you are taking your phone out at a gig.”

DJ Gito says that in addition to the portability aspect of the case, he likes that it protects the condom from damage. He has a girlfriend and it makes both of them feel safe that they are using products that have been stored safely.

He thinks the case should be given out in the community and in rural areas, from schools, community halls and local clinics where people can get easy access.